After setting it up without the sponge, I realize that sponge is there to really keep micro bubbles out of the display
Crazy amount of bubbles!
I am quite impressed with the bubble size though, very tiny. Its a relatively tall skimmer which is great for performance but I am not a huge fan of the thing sticking out of the back. Oh well, its more about performance than looks this time. Actually the skimmer is not ugly though. The collection cup is the same size as the body, so it kind of looking like a really cool tube with micro bubbles in it. When its clean
I will clean it weekly along with my water changes. Clean the body, sponge (when I get it) and pump. The one downside I have read about is that it doesn't perform well once dirty. I really have no complaints about cleaning it weekly as part of my routine though.
Pictures soon.