Reef Octopus NW-150 Skimmer

[Coolibabes]

Hi Guys

To date a Reef Octopus NW-150 have been running now for almost 8 years on a 4 foot tank and never had a problem. Over the last few months, however it has started acting up. No adjustments have been made to the skimmer at all, but now it appears to be overflowing the cup just with water. The first few times it happened, the skimmer was just cleaned it out and restarted it and it did the trick, but now its happening more often.

Does the skimmer just need a good flush with white vinegar bath or is it time to consider purchasing a new skimmer?

 

[Skim]

Yes, you could try a Vineger bath, but what make you think its the skimmer that has changed, if anything I would be looking at the water seeing what may have changed, can I find all the inhabitants that should be in the tank. Skimmers usually foam more, they usually will foam less as they get dirty. Your Bactria levels may have increased, if you are using Carbon you may want to put some in a bag and put it in sump. I just feel it something has changed in your tank and not your Skimmer.

 

[Coolibabes]

Yes, you could try a Vineger bath, but what make you think its the skimmer that has changed, if anything I would be looking at the water seeing what may have changed, can I find all the inhabitants that should be in the tank. Skimmers usually foam more, they usually will foam less as they get dirty. Your Bactria levels may have increased, if you are using Carbon you may want to put some in a bag and put it in sump. I just feel it something has changed in your tank and not your Skimmer.

Hi Skim

All the inhabitants are thriving in the tank. The reason why I think it may be the skimmer is that when I put the skimmer on, the skimmer makes bubbles but it fills the overflow cup with water within 10-20mins or so. 90% of the water in the cup is clear

 

[A sea K]

Sounds like an airline obstruction, most likely salt creep. After 4 years of service I would say it's time to give the pump a good thorough cleaning as well.

 

[Coolibabes]

Sounds like an airline obstruction, most likely salt creep. After 4 years of service I would say it's time to give the pump a good thorough cleaning as well.

Thank You A sea K

I will give the skimmer and and pump a good white vinegar soak and clean

 

[Coolibabes]

BTW... I forgot to ask, do I need to dilute the vinegar (if so what is the recommended ratio) or should I just use it full strength?

 

[Coolibabes]

Removed the skimmer last night and realised that the connection between the skimmer and the powerhead wasn't properly fitted. I cleaned the skimmer and pump and ensured the connection fitted correctly and the skimmer appears to be all good now.

I think it may have just the loose connection that caused the problem! Will see how it goes.

 

[A sea K]

BTW... I forgot to ask, do I need to dilute the vinegar (if so what is the recommended ratio) or should I just use it full strength?

For future reference just use it full strength.

 

[Coolibabes]

For future reference just use it full strength.

Thanks A sea K:beer:

 

[A sea K]

"no worries mate", spoken with my best possible aussie accent. Also glad to hear you got the skimmer sorted out.

 

[Coolibabes]

"no worries mate", spoken with my best possible aussie accent. Also glad to hear you got the skimmer sorted out.

:beer: