Yeah - the RSM stock skimmer is a piece of junk. Toss it and buy a Deltec or if that's too much $$$ - get a Nano Reef Systems skimmer:
http://www.nanoreefsystems.com/RED-S...p/nrs3.5-1.htm
I have one of these and it is not bad at all - takes a bit to condition and tweak but then it pulls pretty good skimmate and it is very quiet. Also fits well under the hood without needing any mods.