Sarah - yes it will increase skimmate production as the bacteria containing the nitrate/phosphate is removed at an increased rate. Skimmate density, color (darker) and odor will be intensified. Ya... it will even smell worse.

OH GAWD.....WORSE???????? UGH, now my husband REALLY will run for cover!!! Thank you for answering! It's sure skimming well!

When I first began using the pellets the skimmer began to pull darker skimmate after 3 to 4 days. After about a week I noticed the skimmate increasing in volume. Very nice. I'm happy.
Now, after 5 months of use I'm noticing the skimmate changing. It is now a lighter colour and the thick skimmate collecting on the walls of the collection cup and neck are almost of a "chunky" texture with two different shades of brown. The chunks are a lighter brown than the more normal paste-like stuff. It is unlike any other skimmate I've seen. I just cleaned the skimmer tonight but will post some pics of this strange skimmate in a few days.
Anybody else notice a change in the skimmate after several months of pellet use? And if so what does it mean? There is no change in the levels of nitrates and phosphates. :noidea:

Never noticed anything like this and I have been running over 2500ml for months, maybe the skimmer is out of adjustment or something!

Can't say I've had anything similar either Lance. What kind of skimmer? I would be investigating whether there could be a blockage in the air intake or something of this nature..

It is a MR-3 Dual Beckett powered by an Iwaki 70RLT. No, I don't think there is any problem with the skimmer. It pulls large amounts of skimmate (about 2 cups per day on a well-stocked 225g) The skimmate volume is the same and still smells as bad, it just is changing colour and texture. I'm wondering if it is pulling something new out of the water. I've been dosing half doses of Coral Snow, Pohl's Coral Vitalizer and Amino Acid for the last several weeks and maybe this has something to do with it?

I noticed exactly the same.
Using pellets since December 2009.
Same effect on both skimmers. One is Deltec HOB the other DIY air driven (keeps my ORP constantly above 400):biggrin:

OK, great! I'm not the only one with weird skimmate :lol: Any ideas what causes it?

I can speculate that it is bacterial byproducts suspended in water column, but that just a thought.
Also i started feeding more lately so maybe that is also a contributing factor.

Ha! I've always overfed, so I don't think that would be an issue in my tank. :biggrin: