I have being using a 2nd one for almost a year. So far so good.
The water level below the o-ring is just right.
If the water level is above, you will get more watery skimmate, depending on your requirement.
As for the microbubbles, it occurs to me during feeding time, but it will goes off after 1 hour.
For your case will be the run-in of the skimmer but 1 week is a bit too long though.
But is your tank stocked?? Cos if no LS, should not have much skimmate..
My humble opinion.