What water level should I run my in-sump protein skimmer at?

This is the question we get asked the most about in sump protein skimmers, there really is no set depth that the skimmer needs to run in besides the pump should be covered with a minimum or 1″ of water about the highest point on the pump. All of our skimmers have a suggested water level that we have tested and found allows the skimmer to work most efficiently. The lower the water level the greater the air vacuum will be in most cases. But if you run the skimmer too shallow and close the valve too much just to gain a collection you will loose efficiency of the skimmer and will be more susceptible to overflows. If the water level is too high you loose range of control and may overflow.

For in-sump skimmers sump water level stability is key to optimal skimmer performance. I suggest that the water level within the skimmer compartment of the sump be level at all times by strategic placement of baffles or maintained by a quality auto top off unit. Skimmers can be set in a range of water depths and vary from system to system.