Need Help with Sealife systems Protein Skimmer~~Cycling Tank

[urluckypenny]

Here goes~
I just bought a 75 gallon tank USED tank ~Predrilled with a overflow box~Sealife Systems Wet/Dry with a Sealife Systems Protein Skimmer with a Maxijet 1200 and 2 Icecap ballast running 660 wtts of VHO's for $450.00~from alocal pet store.
Everything works great but I cant seem to get the protein skimmer to work?? I put it in the wet dry and plug it in and it sucks water up throught the tube then just pulsates there. Water runs out of the overflow tube and Ive messed with the air intake tube~adjusted it many times and just cant get it to mix enough air with the water?? Hase anyone had a sealife systems protein skimmer or have any suggestions.

Also IM just now cycling my tank~~55 pounds of Live rock and three damsels (ive already heard bad mistake) do i need to run a protein skimmer yet?? I hate to buy a new one ~~should i just call sealife systems for a manual??

Also think I got a fare deal on the light and equipment??

 

[ChrisRD]

Hello and :welcome:

It sounds like you got a great buy on the setup. I'm not too familiar with that skimmer but if it's being powered by a MJ1200 my guess is that it will be a bit underpowered for your setup. At any rate, it sounds like the pump/venturi is not getting enough air. Check the air line to make sure it's not blocked. Since you just got it, you might want to take it back to the LFS or ask them to help troubleshoot it.

As for using the skimmer during cycling - IMO that's one of the more critical times for having it working as the load of dissolved organics can be very high during the initial curing stages. IMO it would be best to get the skimmer up-n-running ASAP. Keep an eye on your ammonia levels and be prepared to do a large water change (or two) if needed to prevent them from getting too high.