How long did it take to fine tune a protein skimmer

[Manoj's Reef]

Reefers,

I have a external recirculating skimmer, when I bought it I read great review about it and tech gurus told me that was the way to go. The skimmer did a decent job but I was not greatly impressed, however I tried to keep making adjustments. Finally after 3yrs I got to the adjustment and changes that makes my skimmer rock.

So the questions:

Do you know if your skimmer is at its optimal performance?

How long did it take you to fine tune your skimmer to the point that you are happy?

What is an indication that your skimmer is not doing its job?

[AJ :)]

It seems there are different ways to adjust many skimmers.

I would think getting a decent amount of dark colored skimmate, on a regular basis. Is a good indicator that your skimmer is working at a good level.

Comparing different style skimmers on the same tank. (different times) Would be the ideal way to see if you are getting optimal performance.

[larryandlaura]

It took me a week on the Alpha Vertex to fine tune and it way out performs the old reef octopus extreme it replaced. A good indicator would be no skimmate,overflowing or just a little skimmate.

[04charedcompg]

it took a month to fine tune mine now i know where to put it after something happens. But i know its there because it produces a full cup of black nasty in 4-5 days i cant ask for much more!