octopus skimmer just not really working

[jmoney]

I have had a octo-150 needle wheel for my 75 sps reef for about 2 years now and I must say it has never really worked correctly, I have an auto-top off system that keeps my oceanic sump level constant, I have adjusted my riser tube and I can never get anything in between too much foam production, or hardly a full cup a month...my reef is way overfed I see no reason why this would happen.

 

[cveverly]

If you do not want to replace the skimmer try upgrading the impeller. I suspect you have he original needle wheel impeller.

According to the manufacture; new pinwheel impeller increases the performance by 30%.

Also, I assume you clean the neck of the skimmer and collection cup regularly. When they start to coat up with goo I don't believe the skimmer works as well as it should.

 

[jmoney]

I wipe it down once a week in the neck

I still do have the needlewheel where do the sell upgrades for them.

 

[PSam]

Have you modded the output with a gate valve? Much more control over the skimmer that way. I thought the riser tube adjustment was quite useless. That, coupled with the pinwheel, does help it. Premium Aquatics carries the flexible pinwheels and you can build a gate valve mod for about $15 or so.

 

[jmoney]

thanks i didn't even think about a gave valve, I'm gonna search for that

 

[cveverly]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15638140#post15638140 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jmoney

I still do have the needlewheel where do the sell upgrades for them.

Try here http://www.aquacave.com/pin-wheel-impellerbr-for-octopus-otp-br-water-pump-2427.html

I assume you have the Octo 1000 or 2000 pump.

 

[jmoney]

can http://www.aquacave.com/gate-valves-slip-2266.html be used as a gate valve for the unit?

 

[jmoney]

because I really have lost a lot of faith in this skimmer i'm willing to try this I just gotta know if this will work

I'm considering ordering a sump buddy from etss, everything i hear about them is positive, unless people don't adjust the bioballs, straight up set it and forget it

 

[skimmy]

the best thing you could do for the 2 yr old oct nw-150 is to mod the venturi, or get the new one, mesh mod the impeller, and boar out the plumbing going from the pump to the skimmer body.
there are several threads here about how to do it...maybe someone has the link to the "octo nw-200 modded to 40scfh" thread.

 

[jmoney]

doesnt mesh mod need replacing every 2 months or so?

 

[cccapt]

I put mesh on the pump impeller for my NW 200 about 18 months ago. It still works and looks as good as the day I put it on.

 

[jmoney]

That I ordered the new impeller to try out, and a few ting to try and make a gate valve.

I'm running one of the older models without the bubble plate and cone neck I'm wondering if the new models work better, but I'm kind of wary to buy a middle range skimmer again if this doesn't work out.

 

[jmoney]

bump

 

[skimmy]

yes, the newer models have larger diameter plumbing from the pump, a much better venturi, the pinwheel instead of the the needlewheel, direct imput from the pump- no elbows, bubble plate, adjustable wedge outlet, so yes a much better skimmer now.
plus if you mesh modded it it would be even better.

 

[cveverly]

I also agree the "2009" model is a much better design. I wanted to try the NWB 200 and put a meshed Sicce pump on it but never found a body only that was cheap enough just for a test.