MTC CC Skimmer

[Diver4Life]

I started a 30G Oceanic cube last Saturday. I am using CPR Overflow, Plastic sump, Mag 7 as a return pump into a SCWD, Lighting DIY (3) 36W PC.

I am using a MTC 22" CC skimmer. It is a hang on unit but I located it in the sump. It is powered by an Aquaclear 301 powerhead, and the air pump is a tetra DW96 air pump. The problem is I couldnt get the water high enough in the water column of the skimmer. I havent used this skimmer in years and I remember using smaller air pumps then this and had no issue. I installed a 1/2 ball valve on the skimmer return to raise the water. It has been running for 3 days with no skimmate.

Any ideas on this?

 

[ChrisRD]

If the water level looks OK now and the reaction chamber is filled with micro bubbles it's probably just a matter of time until is starts skimming. Any chance you could post a pic?

The initial break-in period can vary a lot depending on how clean the skimmer was when setup (a rinse in hot water helps), how efficient the skimmer is, how much DOC is in the system for it to pull out, etc...