I just put a protein skimmer in my 24 gallon Oceanic bio cube. the protein skimmer is made by Oceanic.. I am not sure if it is working or not.. the collection cup at the top does not have water in it .. Not sure by following the directions if this the way it is suppose to be or not... Also am I still suppose to use my bio cube filter?
I would appreciate any help with this
Thanks
Vicki

there should be no water in the collection cup. the cup is to collect the waste that the bubble pull out of the water. you will have to tinker with the water level in the skimmer to get the amount and consistency of skimmate that you want.

thanks Bobby... so the water level should be at the top of the skimmer?

Also, don't be surprised if nothing happens at first. It typpicaly takes skimmers a couple of days to get broken in and start skimming.

which one do you have ??

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n75/lReef_lKeeper/oceanic.jpg

or

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n75/lReef_lKeeper/sr3.jpg

the top one.. also.. Do I need my other bio filter? I dont' think it will fit in there now.. But if I need it I will try to get it in there..

where is the water level on the skimmer ?? and where is the bubble level ??

i would leave them for a couple of days to let the skimmer break in. then see where they are and adjust them until you get a the skimmate consistency that you are looking for. i skim pretty dry, which gives you a thick "gunk" type of skimmate.

the water level in the skimmer is below the opening. about a 1/2 and inch... it doesn't bubble up into the collection cup at all.. should the water level of the tank be up to the top of the reaction chamber? I moved my tank today ( it was getting to much sunlight) and did a 10 % water change. the water is looking nice and clear.. just don't know what it will look like if this skimmer isn't working right...

just give it some time to break in a little and you should see it really start foaming and having some nasty stuff in the cup.

How much LR and LS do you have in the tank?

I have probably 30 to 35 lbs live rock.. want to get more but it is making my tank look crowded.. don't know what LS is?
Today I have yucky stuff in the collection cup, not to much, and lots of foam its even coming out the top( of collection cup)... Is this ok? or should I turn the controll for the air pump lower?
Thanks for all your help you guys !
Vicki

LS = live sand

i would turn it down a little. it will take a little tinkering to get it just right, so take your time and play around with the air intake until you get it where you want it.

30-35# of rock is perfect in a 24 gallon tank. You should be getting all the biological filtration you need and IMO don't need to worry about the filter packs.