SRO Skimmer question?

So I just set up my 220g tank with a 40g sump. I put a super reef octopus 5000-I skimmer in the sump and I can't get it stop overflowing the cup (bubbles everywhere!).  I have read quite a few threads and have talked with a few people that have this brand of skimmers and I hear different things.  Some are very adamant about the water level being around 5-6 inches, the manual says up to 10 inches in the sump.  If I put a higher pipe raising the gate valve higher, will that just raise the water level in the skimmer as well?  As I have said I am new to this brand and would like it to settle down so I can actually start skimming without having it dump right back into the sump.  I'll post pictures here shortly!

 

I did. It's sitting in about 7 inches of water which is the minimum I can go... Wish I would have built my stand anther 6 inches taller.../DesktopModules/ActiveForums/themes/_default/emoticons/crazy.gif

 

Short of taking the sump apart and getting my baffles cut down another 2 or so inches, I'm not sure what else to do. So I'm open for suggestions...

 

I did build the stand with pvc and eggcrate just as you both have said. I am at the max height that I could build the stand and still be able to get the skimmer cup out.

 

Ehhhh....... I want this thing rocking like it should... /DesktopModules/ActiveForums/themes/_default//emoticons/sad.gif