Help with Reef Octopus Skimmer

[vihsyaj]

hi guys... I just bought a nw 110, I am still preparing my tank so I haven't yet connected the skimmer. But since this is my first time I thought i will give it a trial run, I first ran freshwater.... And the force or bubbles from the pump was very less... More like beer just poured in to a glass.....I added salt and the bubbles increased and gave me some little froth.... But I still feel my pump is not giving enough force out as compared to the videos I have seen of the same skimmer... Bubbles almost blast and hit the skimmer walls, however mine barely reaches the centre of the cone.... Is this how its supposed to be? Will it start blasting after breaking in?

 

[vihsyaj]

:uhoh3:I am told its the salinity is in place it will be fine but i am worried about the power blasting from the pump

 

[keithhays]

Protein skimmers don't work in freshwater, only saltwater. They also require a break in period when run on a live tank. Sterile saltwater will not function the same as saltwater from a tank full of bacteria.

Having said that, I would make sure that you have it sitting in the right level of water, this will have a dramatic affect on how well the pump functions. Too low in the water and you will have too little air in the water, too high in the water and the water level and pressure will drop.

 

[viggen]

I did a hypo treatment in my tank due to a ich outbreak, it was kinda cool to see how much a slight change in the tanks salinity altered the performance of the skimmer. When the salinity is over 1.020 my old euro reef 12-2 the entire 12in dia body is completely white. Take the salinity down do 1.017 and from the looks the bubble production is probably 20% less.... Take it down to 1.010 and lower its probably 70-80% less.

I am sure its fine, just not in the tank water with the proper salinity