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I just set up my skimmer, and it seems that the foam doesn't even reach the top. Is this okay? I hope this doesn't happen when I start adding more biological stuff into the tank, 'cuz then I wouldn't be able to remove it with the collection cup...:%) It is true that it's been weeks since my rotting shrimp has disappeared, but I do have some live rock with algae growing on it...:%)

Is it okay that I'm using the skimmer on my 55 gallon? I think it's a Seaclone, and it came with the 125 gallon, so I suppose it may be a little high. Is that okay?

Also, a friend of my parents have told them for me to buy cheap fish because, by default, the first fish will die. I honestly don't believe this. What do you think?

[span class="edited"][Edited by Shinigami 2004-09-04 14:35][/span]

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The aquarist is one who must learn the ways of the biologist, the chemist, and the veterinarian.

I'd say its normal. Skimmers can take awhile to break in, my AquaC said as long as 2 weeks. I had the collection cup set very low myself, and didn't seem to get much foam at all. It collected water basically, but it was still really brown and stinky, so it was working. My bio load was quite low though.

I've never lost a fish, not even my first one, so either your friend did something wrong, or they just got a fish in poor health. I didn't have any problems though.

Don't worry, the Seaclone won't be too much for the 55, in fact it may even be a little small. Most people don't reccomond them, but it should do for now.

It's not default that the first fish will die, just the most common thing. Both of the salt tanks I've set up had their first occupant live out a fine life. I'd say it's just that most people don't get everything right on their first go-round and that results in the loss of that first fish...

PM/email/msg me if you have any questions/comments regarding me or my knowledge or if you want me to read a thread.