New Orca 250

[rbc1225]

Mike or Jeremy would you take a look at the way I have my 250 assembled and let me know if you see any problems?

I sure would like to get this glued up tonight if it is correct.

Thanks

http://i386.photobucket.com/albums/oo310/rbc1225/IMG_7097.jpg

http://i386.photobucket.com/albums/oo310/rbc1225/IMG_7099.jpg

http://i386.photobucket.com/albums/oo310/rbc1225/IMG_7100.jpg

http://i386.photobucket.com/albums/oo310/rbc1225/IMG_7101.jpg

[JRaquatics]

Everything looks good Rusty. Make sure all orings are silicone lubed, enough teflon was used on the portion where the venturi and the pumps inlet meets and do not glue down the wedge pipe (top portion of the tee). I would also suggest to place the metric to standard fitting off of the output and a union. This will save any headache if you decide to restructure you plumbing in the future.

[rbc1225]

Great, Thanks JR, one more question I had can you tell me where I can purchase an extra union for the output pipe in case I decide to modify that someday with the gate valve I have sitting there?

[JRaquatics]

I would just pick up a schedule 80 (gray) union. I usually buy two and store the other. So when you want to swap out the plumbing you have the other half ready to go.

[rbc1225]

So the schedule 80 will thread into the existing union on the box? I find that interesting but great if that will work. I have it all plumbed up and breaking in. I need to do a little research and see where I should have the bubbles forming in the neck. I know they are a pain in the a$$ supposidly to break in without overflowing if power is lost, so I have that taken care of by putting my muck bucket over my sump. If it overflows it just goes back through the system.

[JRaquatics]

No, the union will glue onto the transitional piece after the tee output. This allows for convenience of future changes to your plumbing and/or system.

[rbc1225]

Sorry, I believe you are missing what I asked here. Can you get the 50 mm unions that will fit directly to the unions currently on the 250 skimmer. Adding another union to the output does not appeal to me. If you can't get them that is cool I am sure I can find them elsewhere.

[JRaquatics]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14384013#post14384013 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by rbc1225
Sorry, I believe you are missing what I asked here. Can you get the 50 mm unions that will fit directly to the unions currently on the 250 skimmer. Adding another union to the output does not appeal to me. If you can't get them that is cool I am sure I can find them elsewhere.

There not easy to come by. If you find a source let us know.

[rbc1225]

Ok will do. Thanks JR.

[rbc1225]

Something a little strange or at least to me. I started my water level at the junction of the cup to the body of the skimmer and then bring the air on. I get it where it is accumulating a nice head of foam and then it drains down to the level of the output Tee. It then builds back up and the cycle begins again. Is this normal with breaking in a new Orca or is something not quite right. I have a mag 7 on it and I have cut it back a bit for the input pump but I am not sure how that could effect the cycling I am seeing.

[rbc1225]

I think I got things running as they should. Definatly not bad for only 2 days or so break in.

http://i386.photobucket.com/albums/oo310/rbc1225/IMG_7121.jpg

http://i386.photobucket.com/albums/oo310/rbc1225/IMG_7117.jpg

[rbc1225]

I am pulling a little over 2 cups a day of nasty dark skimmate for the last two weeks. :) I love it.

[JRaquatics]

We are glad your happy with your skimmer. I am sure your reef thanks you.

Thanks for the update.

[BreadmanMike]

You need a Pro Rusty... :)

[jimpianta]

Got a new toy today. Instructions called for a pipe labeled "D" to be used as the lower riser drain below the exit Tee. The one that looks correct is labelled "A". Look right to all? Feared pump suction thread on fitting seems to be less troublesome to install than I was lead to believe. We'll see if I can get it leak tight. Not sure how the black threaded pump adapters to grey PVC are sealed to the grey fittings. I'm assuming they're factory assembley/sealed. Which makes me won't what the deal is with the white plastic screws. Anybody know the deal.

Very well packaged, 2 days in transit from LA, shipped Tuesday after a Sunday order. Looks to be a quality build and ready to suck the poop out of my fish. I have a 220 gallon 1 year old mixed reef with a Tang and 3 other fish .. light load .. huge skimmer, so what ... had to have one. :D http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/213318oa.jpg
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/213318oa.jpg
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/213318pmp.jpg

[JRaquatics]

Looks about right. The screws are set screw to keep the oring sealed fittings from pulling away from each other. They don't seam like they do much but do suggest you use them.

[BreadmanMike]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14545538#post14545538 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by JRaquatics
Looks about right. The screws are set screw to keep the oring sealed fittings from pulling away from each other. They don't seam like they do much but do suggest you use them.

Your few hours of absence had me wondering if today was the day... ;)

[JRaquatics]

No. I am busy working on testing the wheels for the Hurricone.

[BreadmanMike]

Are you in to see Watchmen after the meeting Tuesday? :D

[jimpianta]

Jeremy,
Thanks, should the o-ring seal joints be factory leak tight? Just wondered if I needed to put silicone sealant in the joints or not before I get into leak testing.

[JRaquatics]

No need for any silicone sealants, we recommend that you use silicone lubricants on the seals. The orings will seal the joints as I have never had one Reeflo leak at those joints. The problematic joint has always been were the venturi ties into the pumps volute.

[JRaquatics]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14545657#post14545657 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by BreadmanMike
Are you in to see Watchmen after the meeting Tuesday? :D

I am game.

[rbc1225]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14527541#post14527541 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by BreadmanMike
You need a Pro Rusty... :)

heheeh I just saw this Mike. Looks like I have one on the way now. :)

[JRaquatics]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14550567#post14550567 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by rbc1225
heheeh I just saw this Mike. Looks like I have one on the way now. :)

Don't you already have one?

[rbc1225]

heheeh Well yeah but it wasn't the pro model. ....... Yet. :) I even sent my boxes to him so he could send me his skimmer. Nothing like having a backup huh? :)

[JRaquatics]

You lucky dog. Your the one that got the killer deal. Look out for some killer performance from the Pro 250.

[BreadmanMike]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14545902#post14545902 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by JRaquatics
I am game.

Lies!!! You missed a great movie buddy.

How's those new 6201's Rusty? :D

[JRaquatics]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14585629#post14585629 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by BreadmanMike
Lies!!! You missed a great movie buddy.

How's those new 6201's Rusty? :D

It was getting late and I still had tons of work to do when I got home. I'll just have to rent it when it comes out on DVD. ;)

[BreadmanMike]

I'm taking my cousin to see it next week. You should come along.

[JRaquatics]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14585737#post14585737 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by BreadmanMike
I'm taking my cousin to see it next week. You should come along.

Thanks for the invite but I doubt I will be doing anything next week, as good times are are on their way.:o

[rbc1225]

6201s are doing great Mike. I have been playing with an Aquasurf and will look at the Tunze 7096 when it comes out. I should have my 7095 Thursday to start playing with as well. I will compare the two and see if I like the Aquasurf or the regular controller better.

[jimpianta]

Started my 250 this past Thursday after a vinegar rinse. Pushed the level up and threw in some nog yesterday, blew for a bit. Looks stable and beginning to skim today. With the stock setup and silencer top askew running 136 Watts. Using a Dwyer RMC-103 airflow guage got 73 SCFH and a 3 Watt power rise with the added resistance of the guage. Motor is the coolest and quietest I have. I'll mod the air valve when its more broken in.