Reef Octopus Skimmer Issue

[ShAgMaN]

I'm having a problem with my Reef Octo Skimmer - not sure the model number but it was purchased a few years ago and isn’t very large. My skimmer seems weak (micro bubble action) and I can't figure out what’s up with it. One thing I noticed is the little air vent tube doesn't seem to change the flow - which appears incorrect. Still the pump seems fine and I don't notice any kinks in the tubing. Any advice?

[marshall.read]

if you haven't already done so, disassemble the pump and give it a thorough cleaning with some diluted vinegar. also check the airline tubing and all the connections to make sure you don't have any obstructions.

[FireWater]

I have an Octopus nw150 and it will occasionally do the same thing. I had troubles keeping it consistent - if you take the muffler completely off does it make any difference? If so check it for salt creep inside and clean it. Better yet I would recommend a good clean on the whole thing. Mine is very touchy about air flow - if it gets even a little clogged it will not produce as much bubbles in the chamber and other times it works fine.

[aquasport24]

Spray some RO water inside the tube while its running, sometimes salt creep can get inside the tube and causing air restriction.

[Kristy]

All good advice ^^ just to add one thing: When you have cleaned your skimmer thoroughly, expect to have crazy microbubbles returned into the tank for 24 - 48 hours. Seems like every we clean ours (REALLY CLEAN IT!) I am surprised and irritated when this happens, so I just thought I would tell you ahead of time to expect it. I don't think there is anything that can be done other than to just let it run its course.

We're quite happy with our Octopus skimmer.

[aquasport24]

Ace was right, you are fast John.

[FireWater]

Ace was right, you are fast John.


Ya'll are just catching me on good days.

[FireWater]

Shagman, let us know if any of this works out for you. I like my Octo skimmer it is just real picky

[1fstlightning]

if you haven't already done so, disassemble the pump and give it a thorough cleaning with some diluted vinegar. also check the airline tubing and all the connections to make sure you don't have any obstructions. I would also try that.

[ShAgMaN]

Cool, thanks guys. I'm gonna give it a good scrubing right now.

I thought I did this when I replaced a fitting from the pump to the canister, but now that I think about it...it looked clean from the outside so I just installed the fitting and threw it back in the sump. Also, I recently tore down my 56 gal. to turn it into a frag tank, and with all the cleaning on that one around the same time, I overlooked this.:rolleyes:

[jrsatx20]

does it have the lil black canister looking thing on the end of the air tubing. when that gets wet it slows the skimmer down

[ShAgMaN]

Yes!!! I figured it out. As I started to take the pump apart I realized I had cleaned it before…..anyway, I took the impeller out along with the rod, little washer, and rubber bushing. Everything looked clean and dandy. Then I checked the silencer and air tube – no probs there. But then, I noticed a rubber washer in between the pump and canister, and when I pulled it out – there was a little hole that was being blocked – coming right from the air tube inlet. That was it! I wasn’t getting any air vacuum because of the washer. I believe what happened was when I bought a replacement fitting I had an extra washer and stuck it in there were it shouldn’t be. Doh!

Thanks for everyones advice.

[Mr Cob]

Shaggy....I knew you would get an answer over here! Glad it's working for you now man!

[justahobby]

I missed this post earlier, but yeah I have had the same problem with that little washer. Hopefully newer designs will improve on that flaw.

[FireWater]

They did improve it somewhat, but you have still have to be careful when you reassemble after cleaning.

[corkyGramma]

does that only apply to the nw kind?