I just upgraded my tank from a 10 gallon to a 300 gallon, and I bought a protein skimmer. My tank is about 2 weeks into the cycle and Ammonia is at 0 nitrites at 0, nitrates at 5 ppm. I just hooked up my protein skimmer and I saw no bubbles at all in the skimmer. Is this just because its a new tank? or is the skimmer faulty? it is a Hydor performer 1005 skimmer.

How long has the skimmer been running? They can take a few weeks to break in. Did you rinse the skimmer prior to using it? Is it brand new?

You also might need to adjust the air intake. Is this a Venturi or Needle Wheel intake?

its the first day I put it in, I heard from somewhere that you are supposed to leave the return valve all the way open for it to break in, and yes its brand new

Did you install the feeder pump?

I believe so, everything in the box was put together

This pump had to be bought seperate. It is for recirculating. I am not sure if you can properly run the skimmer without it (I think you can), but I do know that skimming improves drastically when you recirculate.