FAQ: Skimmers

It typically takes a week and sometimes longer for a skimmer to break-in and begin producing good quality skimmate. This is commonly referred to as the “Break-in Period”. During the break in period the skimmer will produce a very light colored skimmate and it will typically fill the collection cup very quickly and even overflow. A broken-in skimmer will typically form brown deposits around the neck of the skimmer. Bathing the unit thoroughly in warm water prior to installation may help reduce the break-in period. A used skimmer that hasn’t been in operation will also typically need to be broken in for a week and sometimes longer before it begins to produce good skimmate.

During the break-in period (1st week of operation) please set the water adjustment knob arrow to arrow. After the break-in period, the best results are typically achieved by closing / restricting the water adjustment knob slightly.

During the break-in period (1st week of operation) please leave the air intake adjustment valve completely open. After the break-in period, the best results are typically achieved by closing / restricting the air intake adjustment valve slightly.

This is very common with a brand new skimmer or a used skimmer that hasn’t been used for a while. Please wait a full week to allow the skimmer to break-in before making any changes. Should the skimmer continue to release a lot of bubbles into the tank (some bubbles are normal), please check that the water level in the sump is set between 7 and 9.5 inches.

The Simplicity skimmer line is intended to be used in sump only and a drip/ small leak from junction between the neck and the collection cup should not be cause for concern. A brand new skimmer will typically leak more, but as a skimmer is broken-in any leaks should dissipate or may even disappear completely.