Super Reef Octopus XP 1000 SSS Problem

[AugustWest]

Anybody else have issues with this skimmer overflowing for no apparrent reason ? For almost a year the skimmer was fine ( well, 1 overflow which was due to my using epoxy in the tank )

Now, for the last 2 months The skimmer has to constantly be adjusted or the level in the skimmer will keep rising until it overflows. Why would the water level in the skimmer keep rising with no adjustment being made ?

Skimmer sits in 5 3/4" of water ( on a skimmer stand ) It is in the first chamber of the sump that has a constant water level. The water level in this chamber NEVER changes.

I went from being extremely happy with this skimmer to on the verge of getting rid of it.

Any suggestions ? This is the sump saving model with the pump installed under the skimmer.

Thanks

 

[TimeConsumer]

When was the last time you cleaned the pump?

 

[AugustWest]

Probably a couple of months since I last cleaned it. I'll give it a good cleaning. Could that be the cause ? Pump seems to be working normally.

 

[OneReef]

I've been running mine nonstop since last October when I bought it new. I love it and have never had issues with it. I'd clean the pump and see, but I've never had to clean mine, I probably need to.

 

[bongarone]

Is the air intake silencer clean? If there's any salt creep in it, it could be creating suction.

I would clean the whole thing top to bottom and see what happens.

 

[AugustWest]

OK. Cleaned the whole skimmer top to bottom. Replaced the impeller on the pump and pump is working perfectly. Still, when I set the level where I want it it does not stay constant. Water level slowly rises and I have to open the valve to get it back where I want it.

No overflow yet but probably would have if I hadn't been watching closely. Baffle in sump is at 9 inches and skimmer sits on a 3 1/2" stand. Why would the skimmer level not be staying constant ? Any other suggestions ?

 

[wildman926]

OK. Cleaned the whole skimmer top to bottom. Replaced the impeller on the pump and pump is working perfectly. Still, when I set the level where I want it it does not stay constant. Water level slowly rises and I have to open the valve to get it back where I want it.

No overflow yet but probably would have if I hadn't been watching closely. Baffle in sump is at 9 inches and skimmer sits on a 3 1/2" stand. Why would the skimmer level not be staying constant ? Any other suggestions ?

Both of my SRO's will overflow, if you set the bubbles at the top intially after turning it off. You have to set the bubbles at the bottom of the collection cup. After 15-20 min, it will rise up. You can then fine tune it to either have a wet or dry skim.

My 1000 draws too much air for my liking, and I put an air valve on it to produce smaller bubbles in the main body and the portion of the neck where it meets the body.

 

[AugustWest]

I was thinking that maybe it was drawing too much air but had no way of adjusting the venturi. Where would I get a valve like that ? Thanks for your help.

 

[wildman926]

I was thinking that maybe it was drawing too much air but had no way of adjusting the venturi. Where would I get a valve like that ? Thanks for your help.

Pretty much any one can be used. But it came as part of THIS pump. This is a mini knock off of Eheim, and is dead silent. I use it on both my 110g and 150g. You might ask them if they sell it by itself.

 

[wildman926]

I could not be happier with the skimmer after dialing it in with an air valve. It fills the Octopus waste container weekly with what you see in the pic. My weekly maintenance is to clean the cup, clean the body with a bottle brush, empty and clean the waste container. I just took this pic.