Skimmer Q&A Thread
- Thread starter mojo~
- Start date
billyr
New member
I'm having an odd problem with my new Octopus extreme 200.
I built a new acrylic sump to maintain a constant water level.
I've done this for awhile, so setup was no problem for me!
I set up the new sump and skimmer about two weeks ago. let it run not expecting much at first, I was getting a wetish skimmate at first having to empty cup about every 2 to 3 days, Perfect! Then about a week after setup while watching TV the aquarium suddenly sounded different! I opened the cabinet door to find the skimmer going bezerk! The skimmer was overflowing wildly! The entire sump was full almost to the top with foam! My thought was OK the skimmer's broken in now! I turned the water level down in the skimmer, let it settle down and re adjusted it. Then over the next few days I was getting a nice dark thicker skimmate, Perfect! Then yesterday morning just after lights came on I checked skimmer, cup about half full,....ah I'll just clean that out later, I'm off today! Then later again watching cartoons...er...the news
The skimmer went nut's again dumping all that was collected back in the water!! now I've cut the skimmer back some more, but it's not going to pull as much skimmate! Any suggestions I'm assuming It's going to hapen again!
I built a new acrylic sump to maintain a constant water level.
I've done this for awhile, so setup was no problem for me!
I set up the new sump and skimmer about two weeks ago. let it run not expecting much at first, I was getting a wetish skimmate at first having to empty cup about every 2 to 3 days, Perfect! Then about a week after setup while watching TV the aquarium suddenly sounded different! I opened the cabinet door to find the skimmer going bezerk! The skimmer was overflowing wildly! The entire sump was full almost to the top with foam! My thought was OK the skimmer's broken in now! I turned the water level down in the skimmer, let it settle down and re adjusted it. Then over the next few days I was getting a nice dark thicker skimmate, Perfect! Then yesterday morning just after lights came on I checked skimmer, cup about half full,....ah I'll just clean that out later, I'm off today! Then later again watching cartoons...er...the news
The skimmer went nut's again dumping all that was collected back in the water!! now I've cut the skimmer back some more, but it's not going to pull as much skimmate! Any suggestions I'm assuming It's going to hapen again!
billyr
New member
Really! I thought you were kidding at first!
No. I don't smoke, I don't allow any sprays or cleaners in that room, Family knows! Only I clean in there!
None of what you asked was happening. House has two central AC units one upstairs one down. Also a window unit in room with aquarium to control temp and humidity. I can tell you I think the old skimmer may have been doing the same thing just no as bad.
It never seemed to have the cup runith over look to it, there would be just more skimmate every day.
How would those things affect it?
No. I don't smoke, I don't allow any sprays or cleaners in that room, Family knows! Only I clean in there!
None of what you asked was happening. House has two central AC units one upstairs one down. Also a window unit in room with aquarium to control temp and humidity. I can tell you I think the old skimmer may have been doing the same thing just no as bad.
It never seemed to have the cup runith over look to it, there would be just more skimmate every day.
How would those things affect it?
mojo did you get the alpha yet? Im suprised that its taking this long to get people their cones from BK. I would have thought that they would be in by now.
If you were to compare the bk mini 160 vs the atb econo 840, what would you say is better in skimmate production per day. Note about density and quantity please. Also if you were to assign a value to "betterness" what would it be? 10%. Personally I dont think the cone skimmers will be much better than 10-15% over standard skimmers. Given that the skimmers use identical pumps and draw the same airflow. But Im looking for someone with experience in the issue.
If you were to compare the bk mini 160 vs the atb econo 840, what would you say is better in skimmate production per day. Note about density and quantity please. Also if you were to assign a value to "betterness" what would it be? 10%. Personally I dont think the cone skimmers will be much better than 10-15% over standard skimmers. Given that the skimmers use identical pumps and draw the same airflow. But Im looking for someone with experience in the issue.
mojo~
Skimmer Guy
I think a gentle flow to the neck is helpful. But how far do you go. Look at the warner marine cylinder skimer line. They have a nice long transition. Hurricone skimmers have a little longer than that. But to do all cone is still up in the air. The density of the skimmate from the ATB was really dark thick sticky sludge. Now to compare taht to per say the vertex in 100. it skimmed well. but the skimmate was not as dark and thick as the atb. I set them up to run as close I can. It think the bk mini 160 and the atb 840 run really close to the same.
The difference in my opinion.
the BK is about $80 more. it has thicker material and is amazing.
The ATB skims as well but its not quite as thick of material. Not a issue as they are both built very well. The ATB will hold its own agains any skimmer for sure. But none of the skimmers were as good as the bk. With that being said. when spending that much to begin with why not spend another $80. I really like the ATB 840. ITs quiet and well built. You are paying more for the cone design where as the BK you ae paying for BK build quality and the red dragon pump. its really a toss up. Both use pvc and acrylic. So sorry i dont just say buy this one. But I think its a matter of preference. Cones are in right now. And well you can skim just as well without a cone I think. You just need the right balance of pump, air, water, and desgin. Some do it with a cone some do it with a cylinder. IT just so happens most cones have had more technology put into them and more thought.
Mojo~
The difference in my opinion.
the BK is about $80 more. it has thicker material and is amazing.
The ATB skims as well but its not quite as thick of material. Not a issue as they are both built very well. The ATB will hold its own agains any skimmer for sure. But none of the skimmers were as good as the bk. With that being said. when spending that much to begin with why not spend another $80. I really like the ATB 840. ITs quiet and well built. You are paying more for the cone design where as the BK you ae paying for BK build quality and the red dragon pump. its really a toss up. Both use pvc and acrylic. So sorry i dont just say buy this one. But I think its a matter of preference. Cones are in right now. And well you can skim just as well without a cone I think. You just need the right balance of pump, air, water, and desgin. Some do it with a cone some do it with a cylinder. IT just so happens most cones have had more technology put into them and more thought.
Mojo~
Waterobert
New member
Mojo sounds like you are not entirely sold on the cone. You like ATB 840 but not as much as BK. Is it just the built quality or skimmate quality?
mojo~
Skimmer Guy
I like them both. Its like the difference between a mercedes and a Bentley both are awesome cars but the bentley is a little more money and the leather on the seats is a little nicer.
Build quality on both is great. The material on the BK is a little thicker. I like the heavier feel of a skimmer. Skimmate on these two I would say was the same. I hope this is helpful.
Mojo~
Build quality on both is great. The material on the BK is a little thicker. I like the heavier feel of a skimmer. Skimmate on these two I would say was the same. I hope this is helpful.
Mojo~
mojo~
Skimmer Guy
You know there was a time that I would of of said deltec all the way. But honestly between those three I would go withthe vertex in 180. I might actually see about trying hte 180 on my 90G tank. I am going to the INDMAS Frag show today and maybe I can win one. lol. Wouldnt that be funny if of all things I could win in a raffle I Won a skimmer. LOL well just going to support other clubs. Meet the people from Premium and well have a good time.
Everyone have a good day and I ll be back tonight. I have another little review to do tonight.
Also Alpha cone lovers. THe truck got help back till monday. I ll have the alpha tuesday or wednesday. justa little FYI for you all.
Mojo~
billyr
New member
The top off water comes directly from an RO unit mounted in the garage through a 1/4 tube that goes up to the attic between two floors across two rooms down through the wall to a float in the sump.
Once in the sump the top off water can't get to the skimmer without first going through the aquarium!
How can a scent or smell cause this?
Tracey2
New member
I finally found a store that was kind enough to help me find a skimmer that will fit in the sump. I went to pickup the external WMRX200 but it was cracked so I came home with the ATB840. Anyhow my question is what is the allen key for and how much water does it like to sit in?
mojo~
Skimmer Guy
Run it in 6 to 8 inches. I ran mine in about 6.5 inches of water.
You got a great skimmer. THe allen wrench is for the volute cover. It has two sets screws that help hold it in place. So if you ever want to remove it you have the tool to do so. THe silicone lube is for the collection cup o ring. Great choice either way. Congrats on your purchase.
Mojo~
You got a great skimmer. THe allen wrench is for the volute cover. It has two sets screws that help hold it in place. So if you ever want to remove it you have the tool to do so. THe silicone lube is for the collection cup o ring. Great choice either way. Congrats on your purchase.
Mojo~
sundancer
New member
Sorry for butting in but here's a new question: What is the difference between the quality of air being drawn in by a venturi vs. air being pumped in by means of a dedicated air pump like a Danner pond pump? For instance if I hook up an air pump to the venturi intake line can I increase fine bubble production or will I just make a bunch of gurgling noises?
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