Skimmer performance issues

J

JSB

I've got an Octopus NW150, and I've noticed the performance going down. The bubbles are not as thick as before. It's sitting in 11 inches of water. Could this be an issue. Should it be more like 9 inches? I've read where water level could cause issues, but not sure about this skimmer. I was also wondering if it's not getting enough air, since it stays pretty humid in the stand. I need better air circulation. I've performed zero mods on the skimmer, except trimming the o ring where the air line comes in. Thanks in advance for the help.

Here's a pic
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How long has it been going? You need to clean the air intake out every once in a while as it will get salt creep and clog up wich could cause it. That would be my first guess. Otherwise have you take the pump apart to look for exceptions, etc? BTW this is the perfect skimer for the meshwheel mod.
 
@kwl1763 wrote:
How long has it been going? You need to clean the air intake out every once in a while as it will get salt creep and clog up wich could cause it. That would be my first guess. Otherwise have you take the pump apart to look for exceptions said:
It's been running about a month. I cleaned the tube, but I haven't pulled the pump and checked it. I've thought about the mesh mod, but I'm nervous about doing that since I don't have a spare yet.
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@assassin_boy wrote:
I think 11 is too deep said:
Yep, I'm thinking I'm going to have to figure a good way to lift everything up a little. Any ideas? I'm not the master craftsman when it comes to acrylic.
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i would put a small cup of something to raise it and to see the performance increase and if not try something a little bigger to add couple more inche to see. It is an trail and error to see what inches is the best performace for this skimmer. When i raise my asm skimmer, i have much better performance. I use an old butter container and use that to raise my skimmer, never have time to put something else to make it look nicer.
 
I wouldn't sweat the meshwheel mod too hard. It's very easy and cheap to do and it will increase your skimmer's efficiency. I did iton my POS skimmer and it's producing decent skimate now.

Very off topic but, why is you online indicator yellow instead of green Assassin Boy?
 
Anything reef-safe can be used as a stand. You can make an eggcrate platform with zip ties, for example. Or the butter container. Or a glass block like they use in some home construction as decor 'windows'.

The intake of the pump may be somewhat obstructed, or the tubing might have salt creep in it. Dip the tubing in a cup of hot water and let it suck the hot water down the line. You should do this monthly to keep them clean and clear.
 
A foam block may be another option for lifting your skimmer...I try to isolate everything from hard surface to hard surface contact. It will make your tank more quiet.

But, a whole skimmer might be a bit shaky...
 
Well I ended up lifting it, a little but I ran into a problem of course. I'm going to have to redo my intake line from the display. Currently there is only one way my skimmer and fit in there (due to the intake), and when I lift the sump the riser bar ends up higher than the tank itself. Now that typically wouldn't be a problem if I could adjust how the skimmer sits in the take. Currently the riser bar is right on the corner of the tank, and it would possibly throw water out of the sump, and I don't want to risk that happening. So I've got a water change planned for this weekend. Hopefully I can reroute the intake and make the adjustments I need.

On top of that, I broke a piece of the pump that connects the pump to the skimmer. :shock: I was freaking out, but I performed an awesome glue job, and we were back in business.

As always, I'd liek to thank you guys for the advice.
 
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