New Reef Octupus Skimmer Thread (Pacific Coast Imports)
- Thread starter Psionicdragon
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ScubaMedic
New member
Here is how I converted the 50mm to 1.5" regular pvc. I just took the insert out of a 1.5" true union and replaced the 50mm. It was a little tight but it went in without modification. They may not all do that, but if not, all you have to do is sand the outside edge of the insert a bit to where it will slide in.
I think it would be ideal to get a 50mm true union and replace the ball valve and add a 1.5" gate valve. You can still add a gate valve on top of the ball valve now though if you want.
Also someone had asked if just the pumps will be available. I'm a dealer for Pacific Coast and I was told that the pumps will be available in the near future.
Here is a pic of what I did.
I think it would be ideal to get a 50mm true union and replace the ball valve and add a 1.5" gate valve. You can still add a gate valve on top of the ball valve now though if you want.
Also someone had asked if just the pumps will be available. I'm a dealer for Pacific Coast and I was told that the pumps will be available in the near future.
Here is a pic of what I did.
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trmiv
Active member
No problem. I measured it when I got home, hard to tell without calipers or something, but it looks like 5 5/8" to me.
I'm also going to pick up some washers or o-ring to replace the one that blocks the air hole. On the 2000 it looks like 3/4" ID with 15/16" OD would work. Can't decide on material though.
I'm also going to pick up some washers or o-ring to replace the one that blocks the air hole. On the 2000 it looks like 3/4" ID with 15/16" OD would work. Can't decide on material though.
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trmiv
Active member
I might give the smaller o-rings a try to see if I can open that hole up a bit for the air intake. I still haven't decided if I want to spend the money and get the auto waste container yet. To make it work you have to pressurize the skimmer by blocking the holes, I wonder if that effects the performance of the skimmer at all?
me too..just got mine as well last night.. fast shipping... now need to figure out how to set it up... I have a 120 going now but upgrading to a 180 soon..I might run it externally on my 120 using a feed pump from sump to skimmer.. I have an ASM G1x and its pulling a ton of gunk, but I think it needs help, so maybe run the 2 skimmers together..definitely need to do this gate valve mod....
G
trmiv
Active member
I just tried cutting the washer that blocks the intake hole. I cut it quite a bit, and when I put it back on it made a serious difference. The problem is, when the skimmer was off, it leaked like sieve, and the skimmer was also sucking air somewhere other than the venturi hole since it was leaking.
I think this is a major problem with this skimmer. Just by blowing through the hole without the washer you can tell how much air it's blocking. I'm trying to find a washer I can make work that won't block the hole as much.
I think this is a major problem with this skimmer. Just by blowing through the hole without the washer you can tell how much air it's blocking. I'm trying to find a washer I can make work that won't block the hole as much.
mr. pluto
New member
i used a o ring from a used 1/2" dia. true union.
it worked like a charm. you can see it and line it up
when you put the round pump cover on to the venturi union. then
the assembly to the pump itself. i'm just messing around w/ it untill i put it on line. i might go back to the flat washer to see if it
isn't a waste of time.
it worked like a charm. you can see it and line it up
when you put the round pump cover on to the venturi union. then
the assembly to the pump itself. i'm just messing around w/ it untill i put it on line. i might go back to the flat washer to see if it
isn't a waste of time.
trmiv
Active member
Is that on a 3000 or 2000? Mine is a 2000, I don't know if it would be the same size. I went back to the uncut washer, and I notice a difference. I didn't touch the ball valve when I switched back to the uncut washer, and it was over an inch lower than with the cut washer that was sucking more air. Plus the bubble density looked thicker to me with the cut washer.
Anyway, I ordered two different types of o-rings from mcmaster-car. One a metric round o-ring, and the other a standard double seal o-ring. We'll see how they work.
Anyway, I ordered two different types of o-rings from mcmaster-car. One a metric round o-ring, and the other a standard double seal o-ring. We'll see how they work.
Ok, I am back.
I used the Aqua C waste container. I had to seal the two vent holes on the top of the cup and tape the skimmer lid. I also taped the lid of the collection cup. When the collection container fills and the ping pong ball seals off the air outlet the skimmer goes to sleep.
I had 2 times where the skimmer overflowed and flodded the carpet. both times my fault. I have not had the crazy overflow problem again.
I tested the opetation with the waste container and without and there is no difference. I did however use a larger drain line to prevent an airflow restriction.
It took my skimmer 1 day to start cleaning my tank.
trmiv, sounds like you cut the gasket a tad too much. I havent had that problem but i didnt cut it that much.
My only problem now is that with all the traveling for work i cant see the tank but one day a week.
I used the Aqua C waste container. I had to seal the two vent holes on the top of the cup and tape the skimmer lid. I also taped the lid of the collection cup. When the collection container fills and the ping pong ball seals off the air outlet the skimmer goes to sleep.
I had 2 times where the skimmer overflowed and flodded the carpet. both times my fault. I have not had the crazy overflow problem again.
I tested the opetation with the waste container and without and there is no difference. I did however use a larger drain line to prevent an airflow restriction.
It took my skimmer 1 day to start cleaning my tank.
trmiv, sounds like you cut the gasket a tad too much. I havent had that problem but i didnt cut it that much.
My only problem now is that with all the traveling for work i cant see the tank but one day a week.
trmiv
Active member
Yea I really tried to thin it down. But my exacto knife skills aren't the best. I think the gasket for the 2000 is smaller anyway, so it's a pain in the *** to cut. I ordered two different gaskets from McMaster-carr that have the same outside diameter but a smaller inside. I'll let you guys know which one's work.
trmiv
Active member
I got the extra plumbing from PCI yesterday. Three 3-4" pieces of PVC and an elbow. PCI said they would only charge me shipping. The stuff came in a very small 4x4x3 box and was 1 lb. They charged me $14.99 shipping from Oregon to Fremont, CA. Sheesh, thats some expensive shipping. If they wanted to charge me for the plumbing they should have just said so.
ok...but we have 50mm to 1.25inch union adapters from McMaster dont we??
Albeit they are $27 ...couldnt we just buy one of those, then slap a 1.25in gate valve, and we'd be in business??
i mean, everything after the gate valve then could just be 1.25" right? there isnt much after the gate valve from what I see, its just a grey PVC tube to a T that leads to water return back to sump right?
Albeit they are $27 ...couldnt we just buy one of those, then slap a 1.25in gate valve, and we'd be in business??
i mean, everything after the gate valve then could just be 1.25" right? there isnt much after the gate valve from what I see, its just a grey PVC tube to a T that leads to water return back to sump right?
trmiv
Active member
Not sure if that will work or not. The problem is, the gate valves are almost always not with a union, and the ball valve on this skimmer is a true union. I'm sure you could put that adapter on there and stick the gate valve above the union, but raising the level of the valve may effect being able to control the water level in the skimmer. Then again, given how low they have the valve mounted in the first place, it might work. The biggest problem is not being able to detach the bottom of the true union. Order it and let us know! 
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