protein skimmer working right

[wolfmeyer]

How can i tell if my protein skimmer is doing the job or do i need a new one

I have a 72 gallon bow, 6 month old
i'm using a u.s. aquarum. skimmer, driven by a rio 600vt. I get small bubbles in the vent tube, but not much scum or water comes out into the cup. I'm having problems with brown allege on my live rock (almost looks like rust) will a good skimmer help me with this :(

thanks

[RazerCorals]

Are you running it dry? Is your water filled all the way?

[phistio]

yeah...sounds like (to me) your skimmer isn't working properly...

is there a level adjustment on your collection cup?

[Johnny]

Which type skimmer is it?

[Fiji Live Rock]

If you just started your skimmer reciently ( New or you just cleaned it) then give it a day or two. It won't skim out anything until the proteins build up on the surfface of the skimmer. Then you will start seeing the "scum" bubbles starting to form.

If it doesn't do anything within several days, then try adjusting the water flow and ammount of air in the skimmer.

It also could be that there is so much algae that it is feeding off of everything before the skimmer can remove it. (Just a posibility...not saying it is like that, but it all depends on how much algae you really have.)

[Fugly]

I think fiji has got it in one. Your skimmer sounds like it has nothing to skim yet so therefore will not show signs of foam, slime, etc. It will eventually start to skim though. :wink:

[RazerCorals]

The tank is 6 months old. If it doesn't starting picking up anything in 3-4 days there is something wrong.