WE'VE GOT SKIMATE!!!
I've jimmy rigged the baffles to stop the bubbles, in doing so I've raised the level in the center section (skimmer). I really don't know is thats what has made it work or if it was just a matter of time, but I've got a nice layer of "crud" on the top of the large tube and the bubbles are reaching the cup!!! I've even manages to get a little skimate to fall into the collection bottle... now I will watch it and tweak if necc.
Thanks for all the advice on this topic!!! I've still got issues with the tuning of the new sump but with your help I'm in a much better position to fix everything
