Reef Octopus "POV" PRO-SSS-DC1 thoughts?

[fltekdiver]

They are getting back to me tomorrow. I posted a bunch of you Tube video's for them

I tried everything, setting 6 just over flows it in seconds, fills up a 2 liter bottle within 20 minutes. I bring it down to 5, then 4, and I get chugging. Then it catches, runs for a a while, works perfect, then chugging again and doesn't build a foam head

I'm not giving up, I love the skimmer. Just want it to work properly

 

[JonnyD91]

They are getting back to me tomorrow. I posted a bunch of you Tube video's for them

I tried everything, setting 6 just over flows it in seconds, fills up a 2 liter bottle within 20 minutes. I bring it down to 5, then 4, and I get chugging. Then it catches, runs for a a while, works perfect, then chugging again and doesn't build a foam head

I'm not giving up, I love the skimmer. Just want it to work properly

6 shouldnt make it overflow if the valve is adjusted correctly. Try adjusting the valve lower then you think it should go. I was having that problem whne i first set mine up. Over time the foam head creeps up, so set it kinda low and then do small adjustments. I did almost 6 small adjustments to fine tune min correctly.

 

[seiryoku]

Why wait? Send it back. If it is not working properly, it is just a fancy aerator.

I'm paranoid about my biopellets and actually want, at least, the aeration.

My original plan if this one couldn't be fixed was to simply return it and purchase another. But after two months of trying to get it fixed I'd rather not chance another Reef Octopus product.

 

[fltekdiver]

6 shouldnt make it overflow if the valve is adjusted correctly. Try adjusting the valve lower then you think it should go. I was having that problem whne i first set mine up. Over time the foam head creeps up, so set it kinda low and then do small adjustments. I did almost 6 small adjustments to fine tune min correctly.

I have no adjustments. The gate valve is fully opened and it over flows.

As I close the valve, it just builds up more, making it overflow more

 

[JonnyD91]

I have no adjustments. The gate valve is fully opened and it over flows.

As I close the valve, it just builds up more, making it overflow more

turn it completely in the other direction, when it starts to overflow and you keep turning it will start to go down again. I had that same problem too, the gate valve is weird as hell.

 

[fltekdiver]

I spent 3 hours tonight playing with it. I can tell you where the gate valve is in relationship to the water line is extremely important. If the valve is underwater to much, it really chugs. If the valve is to high outta the waterline in the sump, it doesn't build head pressure

I added 1/2 ( 2 pcs of egg create ) adjusting the height of the valve 1/4" out of the water each time.

It's been running 10 minutes at this water level, and its starting to build head pressure to the bottom of the cup

It's 12:10am, started this Little after 9pm. I'm worried sick, If I leave it alone over night, and it's not adjusted correctly, it will overflow into the over flow container I have outside, but I'm worried I will loose to much water, and run my sump dry

Gate valve is wide open at this point. If I close it ever so slightly, it builds right up and over flows

I have much more control over it right now from overflowing. Before the gate valve was 3/4 deep into the water, and I had no control of it with the valve fully opened. If I touched it a few turns closed, it would flood right away

Going to bed, well see what happens over night

 

[Crimson]

turn it completely in the other direction, when it starts to overflow and you keep turning it will start to go down again. I had that same problem too, the gate valve is weird as hell.

I keep my pump at "3". I haven't noticed much chugging after I added the the drain tube to the silencer air inlet lol. It's late and work tomorrow. I will check some more options later. Overall I am trying some things I never did before with my sump inlet and skimmer (pic3).

more pics:

Pic 1

Pic 2

Pic 3

 

[Crimson]

So far I found anything above 4 is also harder to stabilize. Also, at 5 or 6 I get the chug no matter what I try. Could this be a design flaw? It's as if the pump needs more water then the skimmer allows.

At power level 3 or 4 I found it quiet and a more stable head. I don't use a external collection cup and the only overflow is when I had my pumps on feed mode. The skimmer has a 10min feed while my dc6000 has a 30min timer. The water level was too high which caused the collection cup to overflow (rather quickly) into my sump since I don't use an external collector.

At this point if the skimmer likes being at 6.5" and power 4. Given I only have 57 it should be okay. However, if others are having problems even after a two month break-in has me concerned. Also a product should work at any pump speed if given that option.

Should I give it more time?

Bio load is ora Orchid dottyback (behaving), ora neon Goby, starry blenny and I have a future Purple mask angel confirmed eating inbound an that will be the extent and the end of the fish load.

 

[seiryoku]

I literally spent two months with Jeremy trying to fix my DC1 and he couldn't. All of this crazy adjusting, running the pump on 4 instead of 6, etc. is silly. Shouldn't have to do all of that on a brand new, expensive, skimmer. If it is finicky now it always will be and it isn't (shouldn't) be acceptable.

EDIT: Was closer to three months I believe.

 

[wildman926]

I'm paranoid about my biopellets and actually want, at least, the aeration.

My original plan if this one couldn't be fixed was to simply return it and purchase another. But after two months of trying to get it fixed I'd rather not chance another Reef Octopus product.

Cut your losses and get a refund. Shut off biopellets. When you get your new skimmer, just rinse biopellets and restart.

Not worth the aggravation of seeing that skimmer every day, knowing how much you have paid for it, and all it is, is a fancy aerator. No support, no replacement, just try this, do that....

Heck, an Eshopps would do you fine at this point. They even run Sicce pumps now.

 

[seiryoku]

Cut your losses and get a refund. Shut off biopellets. When you get your new skimmer, just rinse biopellets and restart.

Not worth the aggravation of seeing that skimmer every day, knowing how much you have paid for it, and all it is, is a fancy aerator. No support, no replacement, just try this, do that....

Heck, an Eshopps would do you fine at this point. They even run Sicce pumps now.

New skimmer on the way, will be here Monday. Probably take the DC1 down Sunday for cleaning/packaging and drop it at the UPS store Monday.

I'd advise anyone having issues similar to mine with their DC1 to get the entire thing replaced or go with a different skimmer. Don't play the back and forth game with Coral Vue as it will simply waste your time.

 

[Crimson]

I literally spent two months with Jeremy trying to fix my DC1 and he couldn't. All of this crazy adjusting, running the pump on 4 instead of 6, etc. is silly. Shouldn't have to do all of that on a brand new, expensive, skimmer. If it is finicky now it always will be and it isn't (shouldn't) be acceptable.

EDIT: Was closer to three months I believe.

Aquarium Specialty return policy:

Return Policy

To avoid returns, we suggest you ask about any product you are unsure of and their warranties before you order.

For Unopened Packages:

Aquarium Specialty cannot accept returns of products once they have been opened and used. Before opening each product, please check its packaging and label carefully to be sure you received the correct product. If the supplier's original packaging and seal is still intact, you may return the product to us within 30 days from purchase for an exchange, merchandise credit or refund (excluding shipping and handling charges), subject to a 10% restocking fee. Return shipping charges incurred are the responsibility of the customer.



Sadly the box went out to the trash by mistake. I think this skimmer is going to end up being death do us part. I cannot afford a different skimmer.

Using the feed mode on my sump pump causes the skimmer to go crazy and overflow (when water level rises). Then starts chugging even at power 4 when water level returns. The skimmer is really really picky about water height changes/feeding or anything for that matter.

I will keep working on it and I did bring this thread to Scott's (Aquarium Specialty) attention via pm. I called him looking for different skimmer but no one had one (AquaMaxx Cone S). So, the skimmer Scott recommend to me was this one.

I know when people are unhappy with anything they go public. The happy ones don't always post. I really want to give this skimmer the benefit of the doubt.

What to do....

 

[seiryoku]

The retailer I purchased mine from has a similar return policy. I made certain to ask Jeremy long ago what would happen if they couldn't fix the skimmer as I didn't want to be stuck with a $550 defective item. He told me they would get me a refund, when I asked how that would work with the retailer he explained that I'd send the skimmer to Coral Vue and I would be issued a refund, so it sounds like it is some sort of warranty refund. Don't know if it will come from Coral Vue or the retailer I purchased from.

Not positive you need the box as I read somewhere, not sure if it was Coral Vue or the retailer I purchased from, specifically not to use the original box to ship back in (implying the original box/packaging isn't exactly safe).

 

[fltekdiver]

They would need the box, if you were shipping back for a refund, a "unused item" so they can re-sell it

A " Defective " item has nothing to do with a $2 box

 

[marc nichols]

New skimmer on the way, will be here Monday. Probably take the DC1 down Sunday for cleaning/packaging and drop it at the UPS store Monday.

I'd advise anyone having issues similar to mine with their DC1 to get the entire thing replaced or go with a different skimmer. Don't play the back and forth game with Coral Vue as it will simply waste your time.

What did you buy to replace the DC-1? Will be curious to hear your experience with that one.

 

[JonnyD91]

I want to post this so people can see the other side of this skimmer working correctly and see if i can also help out the people having issues. I have used my fair share of skimmers and this skimmer pulls out in a week what the other pulled out in a month. I cant tell by these videos what chugging they are experiencing. From what i can tell the frothing sound sounds like its just a loud silencer, if you plug the silencer and hear no noise from the pump its not an issue with the pump. It could be improper air and water mixture into the venturi, but from everyone with the issues, not many really said how it actually skimmed or had left it alone long enough to find out. This skimmer is one that works better by just leaving it be.

Below is how i have my valve set using speed 6, will this work for everyone? prob. not, but it may be a good starting point. The top of the valve sticks out 1/4 in above the water.
My skimmer sits in almost exactly 6.5 inches of water measuring from the base where the skimmer sits to the top of the water.

Here is where my bubble break is set after cleaning the skimmer, setting it lower is better as it will creep up a bit:

Here it is 15 minutes later, I always have big bubbles in the neck, it skimms best this way:

You would be better off setting the bubble break lower then you would expect and leave it for at least 3-4 days, then start adjusting each day a little at a time if you are having issues with overflow or consistency.

In a bit i will take a video to try and nail down the sound/chugging issue and you guys can tell me if your skimmer sounds/looks like min, because i really cant tell from the videos.

 

[fltekdiver]

Thanks for the post, and pics ! Very helpful !

I did notice they are REALLY sensitive to where the valve opening sits in the water level

I will try again this weekend

I find it interesting a bunch of people experiencing all the same issues though. Seems either some get ones that work great, and some get defective ones that no matter what you do. , you can't get them to work properly

Pics helped, now I know about the bubble break and size bubbles that works , thanks !

 

[JonnyD91]

Thanks for the post, and pics ! Very helpful !

I did notice they are REALLY sensitive to where the valve opening sits in the water level

I will try again this weekend

I find it interesting a bunch of people experiencing all the same issues though. Seems either some get ones that work great, and some get defective ones that no matter what you do. , you can't get them to work properly

Pics helped, now I know about the bubble break and size bubbles that works , thanks !

Uploading a video now but its kinda crappy, i really cant shut down all my pumps so you can hear the skimmer only. If I do that the skimmer overflows because the water level in the sump is too high. I did however notice that when the water level goes too high the skimmer chugged a little bit. So I am wondering if that is part of the problem, the skimmer being it too deep of water. Also the people that are having issues, do any of you have the skimmer sitting on egg crate? Video to follow.

 

[fltekdiver]

Yes on the egg crate. Also yes, when the skimmer sits to low in water, and the output puts pressure on the motor, it chugs for sure. I used egg crate, and kept adding more to the bottom of the skimmer, I believe the egg crate is 1/4" thick. So I started with the water level 6.5" , and had to add one more pc of egg crate, I was getting to much chugging

Here's a couple of videos I shot for Coral Vue

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJShPwaMKVY&feature=c4-overview&list=UU9rW-dOqFNrKEs7kBWJQudA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6MqbKeFSbY&feature=c4-overview&list=UU9rW-dOqFNrKEs7kBWJQudA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p2-cQQZv-D4&feature=c4-overview&list=UU9rW-dOqFNrKEs7kBWJQudA

 

[JonnyD91]

Yes on the egg crate. Also yes, when the skimmer sits to low in water, and the output puts pressure on the motor, it chugs for sure. I used egg crate, and kept adding more to the bottom of the skimmer, I believe the egg crate is 1/4" thick. So I started with the water level 6.5" , and had to add one more pc of egg crate, I was getting to much chugging

Here's a couple of videos I shot for Coral Vue

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJShPwaMKVY&feature=c4-overview&list=UU9rW-dOqFNrKEs7kBWJQudA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6MqbKeFSbY&feature=c4-overview&list=UU9rW-dOqFNrKEs7kBWJQudA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p2-cQQZv-D4&feature=c4-overview&list=UU9rW-dOqFNrKEs7kBWJQudA

Do you have a better shot of how your valve sits in the water currently? In those videos it looks likes it is way too far out of the water. Also what is the current water level from bottom of skimmer to top of water?