Protein Skimmer Setup Help

[landon]

Good Morning!!

So I have installed my Octopus Extreme 160 in my newly modifidied sump tank (had to move some balastics to accomodate a refrugium and the skimmer. The skimmer was VERY easy to put together and install, BUT there is no instruction on what to expect after firing it up or how to tweek it (other than water flow). With that said, I have the flow wide open allowing full water flow through skimmer. Maybe the reality is not exactly what I was expecting to see but the cup is filling with water from the bubbles in less that 10 minutes, is this normal? Also, it says that it may take a couple weeks to break in (I don't remember the exact word usage but i'll use "break in":up. What happens during the "break in" period?

Any info is greatly appreciated. Thanks again guys and gals!

 

[jennm]

You might want to lower the water level in the skimmer, and run some activated carbon if you don't already.

I don't know the science as to why the carbon will help - but it does (and perhaps somebody else can explain why).

Jenn

 

[landon]

I know that carbon is typically used to filter toxins along with other things but how will that assist with the protein skimmer?

 

[jennm]

Like I said, I don't know "why", just that it works. I had a similar problem once with a new Euro-Reef skimmer in a brand new setup, that was doing the same thing - didn't matter how we tried to dial it in, it filled the cup quick. I contacted Euro-Reef at the time, Jeff there told me to put in a carbon bag. Worked like a charm.

We typically run carbon on most systems - in this instance it was a new system and we hadn't got around to putting carbon in it yet.

I know there is science to explain why it works - maybe Icthyoid or someone will chime in with the details on that, but I've seen it work many times since.

Jenn

 

[landon]

JennM;529299 wrote: Like I said, I don't know "why", just that it works. I had a similar problem once with a new Euro-Reef skimmer in a brand new setup, that was doing the same thing - didn't matter how we tried to dial it in, it filled the cup quick. I contacted Euro-Reef at the time, Jeff there told me to put in a carbon bag. Worked like a charm.

We typically run carbon on most systems - in this instance it was a new system and we hadn't got around to putting carbon in it yet.

I know there is science to explain why it works - maybe Icthyoid or someone will chime in with the details on that, but I've seen it work many times since.

Jenn

If you could write up a report on that for me and have it on my office by this afternoon, i'd much be appreciated...:deal:, ha. just playin.

Just to make sure I'm hearing you right, when you say "put in a carbon bag" do you mean in the cup? or the chamber?

Thanks again for your help.

 

[jaustin]

How deep is your skimmer? The skimmer body needs to be 4-6" under water, any more and you many run into issues like the ones your having.

 

[cooper]

Landon:

I bought a Reef Octopus a little over a month ago and had the same problem because I thought opening it all the way would keep the water low. It works right the opposite. Close it all the way, and it should lower the bubbles down into the body. When I first had the problem, I started lowering the water in the sump which created other problems. Just shut it down and then open it up until you get the right level. It took about 3 days to start producing well, and now it is skimming like crazy.

 

[landon]

JAustin;529302 wrote: How deep is your skimmer? The skimmer body needs to be 4-6" under water, any more and you many run into issues like the ones your having.

After I saw what was happening I considered the possibility of the skimmer being too deep. When I was researching the OE160 the sites said that it performs best in water 8-10 inches deep. My ballastics before the modifications I made were about 15 inches (deep, i know). Now, after getting the glass cut, it sits in 8 inches.

 

[jennm]

Carbon in the sump - not the skimmer.

There's something that the carbon does, either with surface tension or something (again... with the science)... that will help alleviate the problem.

Jenn

 

[landon]

Cooper;529304 wrote: Landon:

I bought a Reef Octopus a little over a month ago and had the same problem because I thought opening it all the way would keep the water low. It works right the opposite. Close it all the way, and it should lower the bubbles down into the body. When I first had the problem, I started lowering the water in the sump which created other problems. Just shut it down and then open it up until you get the right level. It took about 3 days to start producing well, and now it is skimming like crazy.

Wow, exactly like you said, it does seem like it'd be the opposite. I'll try that out over lunch and see what happens. Thanks :thumbs:

 

[jennm]

I was googling trying to find the science... still looking for that but I found this excerpt from ER's website.

http://www.euro-reef.com/euro-reef-faq.asp">http://www.euro-reef.com/euro-reef-faq.asp</a>

[QUOTE=]If the venturi is clear and the skimmer is still expelling bubbles, it may be caused by the over production bubbles and there are two reason this may be happening:

1. The filtering of water with excessive amounts of organics.

2. The filtering of water with an excessive amounts of a foaming agent of some kind i.e.:

a) Water conditioners (Amquel, Novaqua, Stress Coat, Prime etc), trace elements, medications, resins,

b) chemical residue on filter material (Polyfilters, filter socks, sponges etc).

There are two things you can do to adjust the skimmer and aid in the removal of the excessive substance.

1) Use the airline control valve to adjust the skimmers air intake (included with all skimmers manufactured after May 2005). That will limit the amount of bubbles that are produced. Once the foaming agent is removed, you can open the valve more or remove it completely.

2) Add 1 lb per 100 gallons of HIGH QUALITY GAC (Granular Activated Carbon), that will quickly remove most foaming agents.

Besides that, you just have to wait it out. It's not the skimmer, it's what's in the water.[/QUOTE]

I realize your issue isn't micro bubbles in the water column, but rather too many rising to the top/cup.

If I find a more precise answer to the "why" I'll post it.

Have you used any supplements or epoxies, etc., in your tank recently?

I know 2-part epoxy and some water treatments can make a skimmer go berzerk.

Jenn

 

[cooper]

Yes sir!

 

[jaustin]

please post a picture of your skimmer in your sump.

 

[landon]

JennM;529317 wrote: I was googling trying to find the science... still looking for that but I found this excerpt from ER's website.

http://www.euro-reef.com/euro-reef-faq.asp">http://www.euro-reef.com/euro-reef-faq.asp</a>



I realize your issue isn't micro bubbles in the water column, but rather too many rising to the top/cup.

If I find a more precise answer to the "why" I'll post it.

Have you used any supplements or epoxies, etc., in your tank recently?

I know 2-part epoxy and some water treatments can make a skimmer go berzerk.

Jenn[/QUOTE]

That is very interesting...

Hmmmm, as far as I can remember, I have not. The only supplement I have added is the Part A and B calcium supplements. I'll try the carbon along with turning the waterflow down.

 

[landon]

JAustin;529322 wrote: please post a picture of your skimmer in your sump.

I'll get that pic posted as soon as I can. I'll run back to the house in about 30 to get the pic.

 

[texhorns98]

I run that same skimmer in 9 inches of water. Just turn the pipe until your milky bubbles are just at the connection point of the cup. Understand that each TINY little twist of that pipe ends up making a bigger difference than you might think. Take it slow and give it 15-20 seconds after each adjustment before you make anymore. You'll figure it out soon. I don't recall mine needing any time to break in, but I could be wrong.

 

[jbadd99]

My Reef Octopus 200 Extreme took about 2 days to break in... the recommendation I got from others was to run it wide open for the first two-three days and then tune it back after that...

I didn't have any problems with mine overflowing the cup and my skimmer is in 9" of water.

Look at the pipe that sits inside the "T" fitting, you'll notice it has an angle cut. If you place it inside in the "open" position, the "base" so to speak of the "T" will not be obstructed at all... in the "closed" position, it should block it entirely.

I was baffled as to how I was going to figure this thing out, having NO previous experience whatsoever, but I found it was actually VERY easy.

and +1 on the waiting 15-20 seconds after each adjustment... just make sure the adjustments are small (1/8 - 1/4 of an inch at a time, otherwise, you run the risk of overflowing the cup)

Good Luck:up:

 

[landon]

Cooper;529304 wrote: Landon:

I bought a Reef Octopus a little over a month ago and had the same problem because I thought opening it all the way would keep the water low. It works right the opposite. Close it all the way, and it should lower the bubbles down into the body. When I first had the problem, I started lowering the water in the sump which created other problems. Just shut it down and then open it up until you get the right level. It took about 3 days to start producing well, and now it is skimming like crazy.

Okay. I went home and closed the valve all the way to begin slowly turning it till it evens out. as soon as it closed, it quickly filled up as expected. Is this not what happend with you?

 

[landon]

JAustin;529322 wrote: please post a picture of your skimmer in your sump.

Here are the pictures

Pic #1 shows the skimmer with the hole plugged and the valve wide open. I had the whole plugged for about 30 secs when this pic was taken.

Pic #2 Shows the water level after 1.5 minutes

Pic #3 The valve showing open

Pic #4 Water draining out once unplugged.

I added a very small thing of carbon for now. It's all I had at the house.
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[texhorns98]

Sorry if I'm confused here...why are you plugging up the hole? Just turn the pipe until the bubbles are right at that thick black ring. Let it run for a day or two and see what you get. Am I missing something from earlier?