Skimmer Q&A Thread
- Thread starter mojo~
- Start date
Hey Mojo,
Thanks for starting and maintaining this thread. I've got a total volume of about 70 gallons betweeen tank and sump. I have two small and one medium sized fish, a dozen or so small corals and your typical clean up crew. I do intend to add two or three more small fish over time. I've been using the Octo Extreme 160 for about 9 months now and it's been really inconsistent. Sometimes it'll skim ok for a few days and then it won't. I've never been able to get it dialed in. It either skims too wet or nothing at all. I wasn't aware of the pump starting backward thing--that would explain why I can never get it adjusted, as I stop it at least once per day. Do you think that's too large a skimmer for that volume and load? Should I get a smaller skimmer? Or should I go the other way and get the large PPW and hope that more air helps? FWIW, another thing I hate about the Octo is that it's loud. I don't think it's broken or defective, just that the Sicce is kind of a loud pump. Would the PPW make it louder? Finally, if you do think I'd be better off with another skimmer, my available sump space is 9x12. Again, thanks for taking the time to help out.
Grant
Thanks for starting and maintaining this thread. I've got a total volume of about 70 gallons betweeen tank and sump. I have two small and one medium sized fish, a dozen or so small corals and your typical clean up crew. I do intend to add two or three more small fish over time. I've been using the Octo Extreme 160 for about 9 months now and it's been really inconsistent. Sometimes it'll skim ok for a few days and then it won't. I've never been able to get it dialed in. It either skims too wet or nothing at all. I wasn't aware of the pump starting backward thing--that would explain why I can never get it adjusted, as I stop it at least once per day. Do you think that's too large a skimmer for that volume and load? Should I get a smaller skimmer? Or should I go the other way and get the large PPW and hope that more air helps? FWIW, another thing I hate about the Octo is that it's loud. I don't think it's broken or defective, just that the Sicce is kind of a loud pump. Would the PPW make it louder? Finally, if you do think I'd be better off with another skimmer, my available sump space is 9x12. Again, thanks for taking the time to help out.
Grant
Hey Mojo,
Thanks for starting and maintaining this thread. I've got a total volume of about 70 gallons betweeen tank and sump. I have two small and one medium sized fish, a dozen or so small corals and your typical clean up crew. I do intend to add two or three more small fish over time. I've been using the Octo Extreme 160 for about 9 months now and it's been really inconsistent. Sometimes it'll skim ok for a few days and then it won't. I've never been able to get it dialed in. It either skims too wet or nothing at all. I wasn't aware of the pump starting backward thing--that would explain why I can never get it adjusted, as I stop it at least once per day. Do you think that's too large a skimmer for that volume and load? Should I get a smaller skimmer? Or should I go the other way and get the large PPW and hope that more air helps? FWIW, another thing I hate about the Octo is that it's loud. I don't think it's broken or defective, just that the Sicce is kind of a loud pump. Would the PPW make it louder? Finally, if you do think I'd be better off with another skimmer, my available sump space is 9x12. Again, thanks for taking the time to help out.
Grant
Thanks for starting and maintaining this thread. I've got a total volume of about 70 gallons betweeen tank and sump. I have two small and one medium sized fish, a dozen or so small corals and your typical clean up crew. I do intend to add two or three more small fish over time. I've been using the Octo Extreme 160 for about 9 months now and it's been really inconsistent. Sometimes it'll skim ok for a few days and then it won't. I've never been able to get it dialed in. It either skims too wet or nothing at all. I wasn't aware of the pump starting backward thing--that would explain why I can never get it adjusted, as I stop it at least once per day. Do you think that's too large a skimmer for that volume and load? Should I get a smaller skimmer? Or should I go the other way and get the large PPW and hope that more air helps? FWIW, another thing I hate about the Octo is that it's loud. I don't think it's broken or defective, just that the Sicce is kind of a loud pump. Would the PPW make it louder? Finally, if you do think I'd be better off with another skimmer, my available sump space is 9x12. Again, thanks for taking the time to help out.
Grant
mojo~
Skimmer Guy
the skimmer is a little large for your setup, but should work ok. The pump thing might be a issue if you start and stop it alot. I just did a test on a pump i currently have. with my air meter hooked up So i could tell what way it started. It was a 54 times correct/ 47 the wrong way. So about a %50 chance of starting the right way. This is on a stock pinwheel. I hope that this is helpful info. I would suggest looking at teh vertex IN 100. for you size tank it will run more consistant. a better fit for you in my opinion.
Mojo~
Mojo~
Ok, thanks for the advice. To be clear, you're thinking it's a bad idea to try the PPW for my setup? Also, those are interesting test results that you came up with. In your experience, does the Vertex pump not have the backward starting issue? I just started reading your review of the IN100 (wow, 40 pages). After I'm finished, I'll make yet another skimmer decision.
Thanks again,
Grant
Thanks again,
Grant
With a 125 gallon, plus fuge, sump, less lots of rocks and sand, for an estimated total back down to 125g, what would be the best skimmer for me under $1k?
I am running an AquaC 240 now, and it produces lots of sludge but not gallons of dark skimmate like I have seen on some of the threads here.
I have 1 large angel, a couple of tangs, clowns, and smaller schools of fish. I am into sps.
I am running an AquaC 240 now, and it produces lots of sludge but not gallons of dark skimmate like I have seen on some of the threads here.
I have 1 large angel, a couple of tangs, clowns, and smaller schools of fish. I am into sps.
FiSHy sAy HeY
New member
I currently have a seaclone 100 on my 55gallon mixed reef with a 20 gallon sump. It produces a decent amount of skimmate a day. I would like to replace it with a octopus NW-150. would this be a smart decision?
mojo~
Skimmer Guy
I would look at the BK mini 180 gen 2, The atb 840, WM k2 or as200. The you could also go with a Hurricone cat 1 too. All great units.you may even go with the ATB 1050. The 840 has come down in price quite a bit and is one the better bang for buck units. The bk mini gen 2 180 is the cadillac of the bunch But I would buy one of the ones mentioned. Just depends on foot print. whats your sump level it will be sitting in too. that would alter my choice some too.
Mojo~
Thanks Mojo for your reply.
I can adjust my sump level from about 6" to 10". I have 14x by 20+" sump space. I wanted to avoid the Siice from mixed opinions about it and I guess that leaves me with RD, Askoll or Atb's. From what I understand the only ATB that uses askoll block is a suped up version of the 1050.
Also why no MSX or Alpha on the list?
mojo~
Skimmer Guy
well the msxw with askoll would be fine. And the atb 840 fixes all the sicces problems.
The alphas have to prove themself as a great skimmer. Just because it has a higher price and a great pedigree doesnt mean it is the best out there. Now it might end being great but it is too soon to gamble with your $$ in y opinion.
The alphas have to prove themself as a great skimmer. Just because it has a higher price and a great pedigree doesnt mean it is the best out there. Now it might end being great but it is too soon to gamble with your $$ in y opinion.
Orr2003
New member
I am running a MRC MR 7 powered by a reeflo hammerhead pump.
The system was set up in Dec 08 and is 400g DT with 100g sump and 60g fuge. I have never really gotten this skimmer dialed in just right and I believe it can perform a little better. I have ran becketts before but with such a tall smaller riser before the collections cup this one is tricky to set up right.
If anyone has some suggestions on how to set this skimmer up please feel free to chime in.
here is a pic of the skimmer without the pump on.
So lets start at the beginning.
With the air valves (dual becketts) closed where should the water level be in the skimmers main body?
Remember this is the water level with the air valves off. Once you open the air valves this water level changes. The more air you give the lower the water level goes.
Once this water level is established I will move on to my next question.
Thanks for the help
The system was set up in Dec 08 and is 400g DT with 100g sump and 60g fuge. I have never really gotten this skimmer dialed in just right and I believe it can perform a little better. I have ran becketts before but with such a tall smaller riser before the collections cup this one is tricky to set up right.
If anyone has some suggestions on how to set this skimmer up please feel free to chime in.
here is a pic of the skimmer without the pump on.
So lets start at the beginning.
With the air valves (dual becketts) closed where should the water level be in the skimmers main body?
Remember this is the water level with the air valves off. Once you open the air valves this water level changes. The more air you give the lower the water level goes.
Once this water level is established I will move on to my next question.
Thanks for the help
mojo~
Skimmer Guy
well I dont think you can just say the water level should be here with the air off. Not exactly anyways. I would ask how do have the drain plumbed in? This could cause some back pressure as you probably already know for the the others you have had. But when the air is all the way open you will want the water level(actual water level) at hte top of the box. THe should be enough with fine bubbles rising to fill the neck to the pink line. They should start breaking there. Not exactly my forte but this is the best i know from what becketts I have ran.
What isses are you seeing when you run it higher or lower.
What isses are you seeing when you run it higher or lower.
vanillagorila
It stings the nostrils
yeah, the water levels right. thats how MRC tells you to set it, with the air off. when I had my MR-2 I set my water level the way they said, then I opened up the air valves (so that I got nice small size bubbles), I let it run that way for a couple of hours then I adjusted the gate valve for wetter or drier foam. I had to run mine with the (air off) water level almost up to the quick release before I would get a nice amount of NOG.
Orr2003
New member
Thanks Mojo
I have been running it with the water level above the blue green line with the air barely opened. And it just doesnt create much foam. So I should be running it with the air valves wide open?
I have never ran it with the air valves wide open cause it would just fill with wet large bubbles and spill over intot he collection cup and fill my waste collector in about a minute. But that was with the water level up high in main body of the skimmer.
So I want the water level just at the top of the black box and the air valves wide open?
I have been running it with the water level above the blue green line with the air barely opened. And it just doesnt create much foam. So I should be running it with the air valves wide open?
I have never ran it with the air valves wide open cause it would just fill with wet large bubbles and spill over intot he collection cup and fill my waste collector in about a minute. But that was with the water level up high in main body of the skimmer.
So I want the water level just at the top of the black box and the air valves wide open?
Orr2003
New member
vanillagorila
I first set it up like MRC's website says. Place the water level at 4 inches above the black box with the air off then open the air until you get fine bubbles, but if I do it doesnt ever foam over into the collection cup. I assume it is because of the tall second riser.
I am just about ready to sell this one and buy a internal skimmer if I dont get it skimming better.
I guess I just need someone to walk me through getting this one set up properly. Cause I have messed and messed with it and I am still thinking it should be pulling more than it is.
I first set it up like MRC's website says. Place the water level at 4 inches above the black box with the air off then open the air until you get fine bubbles, but if I do it doesnt ever foam over into the collection cup. I assume it is because of the tall second riser.
I am just about ready to sell this one and buy a internal skimmer if I dont get it skimming better.
I guess I just need someone to walk me through getting this one set up properly. Cause I have messed and messed with it and I am still thinking it should be pulling more than it is.
vanillagorila
It stings the nostrils
I only had one beckett on mine, but I had my air valve at 1.5 to 2.0 turns open. if its spilling over too wet, just lower the water level.
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