Skimmer Q&A Thread

Hi guys I just got a reef octopus 4 and it worked fine but then after I put in water conditioner (amquel plus) it started running super wet and overflowed in seconds. It's been doing that since Sunday. I got it last wednesday.
 
I just bought a octopus 160 xs with the new gate valve on it instead of the wedge pipe setup. The question I have is can I lengthen my water output on my skimmer to where I have it flow into my filter sock or does that change the way the skimmer will now skim?

Thanks!
 
Mojo do you have any idea when the Powercone will be available to U.S. consumer's? Can I order it from a vendor that's in Europe? Also what is the footpring comparison between the 200 and 250? I have almost 15"L to work with and 12"W to work with. I don't think the 250 will fit but will the 200?

What are your thoughts on the new threadwheel? Personally I think it will seriously kick out the skim and fine bubbles and pull air like a supercharged vette, with out having the problems and maintenence of a meshwheel.
 
Mojo do you have any idea when the Powercone will be available to U.S. consumer's? Can I order it from a vendor that's in Europe? Also what is the footpring comparison between the 200 and 250? I have almost 15"L to work with and 12"W to work with. I don't think the 250 will fit but will the 200?

What are your thoughts on the new threadwheel? Personally I think it will seriously kick out the skim and fine bubbles and pull air like a supercharged vette, with out having the problems and maintenence of a meshwheel.

You should email Jeremy at Premium Aquatics for the ETA.

They had a Powercone skimming at the RAP show in SoCal. I did not spend much time looking at the bubble size or density, but they looked really slick. Kind of annoying that they don't have full specs on all the models yet...
 
I just bought a octopus 160 xs with the new gate valve on it instead of the wedge pipe setup. The question I have is can I lengthen my water output on my skimmer to where I have it flow into my filter sock or does that change the way the skimmer will now skim?

Thanks!

What is it you are trying to accomplish...is the water falling from the gate valve and splashing loudly? I would think it would be ok to extend the length horizontally but not higher.

If you're looking to resolve the splashing use an elbow and a short piece of pipe to divert it straight down into the water. I think they're metric sized pvc though. I was able to slide a 1 1/4" smooth eblow straight into the output on my sx200, fit perfectly. I don't know what the size is on the sx160.
 
What is it you are trying to accomplish...is the water falling from the gate valve and splashing loudly? I would think it would be ok to extend the length horizontally but not higher.

If you're looking to resolve the splashing use an elbow and a short piece of pipe to divert it straight down into the water. I think they're metric sized pvc though. I was able to slide a 1 1/4" smooth eblow straight into the output on my sx200, fit perfectly. I don't know what the size is on the sx160.

Basically I didnt want to have to build a stand for my skimmer to have the water outlet valve pour into my filter sock, I just wanted to extend the coupling fitting that goes into the gate valve a little higher.

Thanks again for the input!
 
BTW I meant to say Gridwheel in my post above instead of threadwheel.

Yeah, I hear the grid wheel creates square bubbles that pack tighter due to their flat sides... :lolspin:

Seriously, it'll be very interesting to see if the grid wheel holds up better than mesh. One would assume.
 
I think that a mesh wheel is an awesome mod for any skimmer. It's benefits are enormous.

On the other hand the mesh wheel causes maintenence problems by not being a version specific application and has start up issues along with volute issues, not to mention having to retighten the mesh every so often.

I think having a specific fit, a meshwheel design, but by using hard plastic will give all the benefits of the meshwheel with all the benefits and durability of a pin/needle wheel impeller.

Will we soon see, at least hopefully soon....:)
 
I just bought a octopus 160 xs with the new gate valve on it instead of the wedge pipe setup. The question I have is can I lengthen my water output on my skimmer to where I have it flow into my filter sock or does that change the way the skimmer will now skim?

Thanks!

as long as you dont go up with the water you are ok. you can plumb it horizontal just not vertical
 
I think that a mesh wheel is an awesome mod for any skimmer. It's benefits are enormous.

On the other hand the mesh wheel causes maintenence problems by not being a version specific application and has start up issues along with volute issues, not to mention having to retighten the mesh every so often.

I think having a specific fit, a meshwheel design, but by using hard plastic will give all the benefits of the meshwheel with all the benefits and durability of a pin/needle wheel impeller.

Will we soon see, at least hopefully soon....:)

time will tell. But just like any skimmer. the body must be balanced to the air and water input. looks like the body that was on a prototype bk 180 kone model that came out a while back. At least as far as shape goes. It all looks promising. No idea on when they are coming in. They need to get on it a little as people will get tired of the wait or they will be expecting something really special. so anything just ok will not be good enough for sure. IT does look solid. I have a heard of a few new skimmers that will be hitting hte market pretty soon from some really good companies. Some small footprint units with different pumps than what we have seen already too. So keep your eyes open later this month or the first of the year.
Sorry I have ben a little slow. Had surgery last friday and it has me taking a little longer to get everything else done around the house. Nothing serious. just a little something to set me back and slow me down a little.

happy skimming

Mojo
 
Square bubbles do stack better than round ones. but its the cone shaped bubbles that slide upward better......

lol

:)
 
Hey Mojo,
I have a 190 with a 55 gallon sump and heavy bioload, what skimmer do you like. I an looking at these:
ATB 8.5 v2
ATB 1050a
SRO 3000internal
Warner marine k2
I know these are great skimmers just hard to pick one.
 
Hey Mojo,
I have a 190 with a 55 gallon sump and heavy bioload, what skimmer do you like. I an looking at these:
ATB 8.5 v2
ATB 1050a
SRO 3000internal
Warner marine k2
I know these are great skimmers just hard to pick one.

The 1050A would be my pick.
 
Hi guys I just got a reef octopus 4 and it worked fine but then after I put in water conditioner (amquel plus) it started running super wet and overflowed in seconds. It's been doing that since Sunday. I got it last wednesday.

almost all skimmers will require adjustment as they are breaking in and slime builds. adding amquel will drive a skimmer downright crazy
 
I wouldnt worry. just give it time. it will start to settle down in about a week. then you will start to get some light colored skimmate you will want to throw this away. If you can raise the skimmer another inch just until things settle in it will help too. Some salts have conditioners in them that cause skimmers to go a little crazy. I have had this happen many times with new setups. you will be fine. Trust me here on this one.

Hello Mojo and skimmer experts!

I'm having the exact same issue that JG1 was with his ATB, but I have an SRO-1000int. Mine is on a brand new 75 gallon with dry pukani rock (had some crusty dead life on it that made the water yellow and stink for a few days) and filled with freshly mixed instant ocean (I haven't added any water conditioners or additives). The skimmer output is above water and gate valve is wide open. I have it in 6.5" of water and it has been constantly overflowing for a little over 2 weeks now with no sign of any reduction in overflowing.

What do you recommend doing to help this maturing process along? Do weekly small water changes that will be part of my normal maintenance routine? Add a hardy fish? Add organics (fish food) to help ensure that the cycle doesn't backtrack? Raise the skimmer (6.5" sounds about right from what I've read, but I could put it on a stand to sit in about 5")?

Thanks very much!
 
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Hey Mojo,
I have a 190 with a 55 gallon sump and heavy bioload, what skimmer do you like. I an looking at these:
ATB 8.5 v2
ATB 1050a
SRO 3000internal
Warner marine k2
I know these are great skimmers just hard to pick one.

The ATB 1050a is my top choice. The askol pump is the best you can buy. I think the 840 is too small. not enough water throughput
 
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