New reef Octopus skimmer- overflowing

[jlnielsen13]

Hello RC.

I just upgraded my 90 gallon into a custom 140 gallon. The move went pretty smooth except 2 issues. I will post another thread for the other issue, but had a question here about my protein skimmer.

I bought the octopus in sump 150 from BRS. I have the valve all the way open and it just fills with water. I've tried adjusting the water level and that doesn't help. Does anyone know how to fix this or had the same problem. I have the plug on the cup off so it just drains back in the tank.

Is this what happens in the breaking in period?? Is it okay for me to have the plug open?

Thanks for any help,

JIM

 

[75pxatr]

Does it fill with water or does it overflow with bubbles? Make sure you have the skimmer set to the proper depth of water or try raising it. If it is overflowing with bubbles it could be something that is in the tank. Some medications and even frag epoxy can make the skimmer produce more bubbles than it can handle.

 

[rps3]

Run carbon if anything to remove any chemicals in the water. Overflowing is normal with a new one but once the oils from production are gone then you'll be ok. Check the Reef Octopus section for more tips and hints on the skimmers.

 

[ken6217]

As mentioned, make sure you have it at the correct depth.
Ken

 

[jlnielsen13]

Thanks,

I did just move/set up this tank so I used 70 gallons of new water and did use a lot of epoxy to glue frags and corals. Maybe that is what is making it go haywire. It is mostly bubbles but fills with water as well. Do you think it will settle down then?

 

[Steve175]

Obviously, make sure that the outflow of the skimmer is above water level of the sump. I would use the skimmate to do a water change (allow the cup to fill each time and dump until you have wasted ~ 10% of the total water volume) and see if it settles as you skim out the epoxy residue (actually would be ideal to get that out regardless). Also: activated carbon as above.

 

[celamb89]

I had mine in 8" of water and had the same problem... it was the first skimmer in the tank, I ran carbon and worked like a charm... Also too much carbon can kill the foam head.