reef octo recirc skimmer problems

[dave90ztt]

I have an 08' model reef octopus dnw 200 recirc skimmer on my 210 gallon. I have 250 gallons total system volume. Lightly stocked 6 chromis, 2 clowns, clown tang, and a modest cuc. In my sump I have 30lbs of rock rubble and over 160lbs of LR in the DT. Now I have the skimmer set up in sump in 10 inches of water with a maxi 1200 as my feed pump. I run the water line 1/2" below the neck where the collection cup slips on. I have tried running the water level higher and lower and I can get any gunk whatsoever. I haven't tried any of the slimmer mods yet but I would think I would be able to pull at least something with it how it sits. I have tried different feed pumps and also gravity feed off my overflow and it makes zero difference. any help would be appreciated.

[chem-e]

Is this something that recently started happening or is this a skimmer that you just obtained?

Some questions that I have include - How is your bubble production? Are you getting fine bubbles? Is your air intake blocked?

[dave90ztt]

Tank has been running for 3 months, parameters are near perfect. produces good bubbles but no where near what it should be I feel. They are not tiny bubbles but it does produce foam in the neck just not enough to foam into the cup if that makes sense. Feed pump and recirc pump were cleaned and inspected last week and made zero difference in skimming performance. Air intake line is clean as a whistle. I'm trying to be specific as possible but I'm sure someone on the board has run into the same issues with this model skimmer.

[dave90ztt]

Skimmer was used in my last tank with zero problems but it was run externally and. Now I have it in sump. Not sure why it would be any different either in or out.

[dave90ztt]

anyone??

[luther1200]

How do you adjust the outflow of the skimmer? I would close what ever valve you have and raise the water level up into the neck a bit. Just raise the water level until the foam can make it over the top of the cup.

[dave90ztt]

I still have the wedge pipe for water height adjustment. In order to get the foam to spill into the cup i would have to run it extremely wet and the water level will have to be about 2 inches from the very top of the cup. I ran it 4 inches lower on my previous tank externally and had awesome results. I feed everyday and I know i am creating some sort of bioload, i just dont understand why the skimmer wont pull anything out.

[dave90ztt]

here are a few pictures to show what i have going on, the quality is terrible so bear with me

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y220/dave90ztt/IMG00111-20100109-0157.jpg
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y220/dave90ztt/IMG00115-20100109-0158.jpg
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y220/dave90ztt/IMG00113-20100109-0158.jpg

[flipteg]

you have to close the valve a little bit more to raise the water level inside the skimmer. the way you have it set right now, it looks like the water level inside the skimmer is too low. gunk shouldn't be collecting that low down the riser tube.

[luther1200]

I agree, try raising the level in the skimmer about an inch and see how it does.

[Rybren]

I have the Octo 110 recirc running in my fuge. If I run my water level set as low as yours, I only get very dry foam and not very much at that. Try running it at a tad higher level. Turn the wedge pipe about 1/8" and wait, then adjust again. Keep doing it until you find the sweet spot.

[dave90ztt]

aside from doing the pinwheel upgrade, is there a better alternative for the recirc pump like the new bubble blaster pump?

[dave90ztt]

ttt, how can i maximize performance out of this skimmer??

[flipteg]

did you even read the replies??? as was said above, you should try to at least set the water level inside the skimmer properly first before considering spending money on mods.

[dave90ztt]

did you even read my 1st post?? i have tried running the water level low to high in the skimmer and makes no difference. Also tried raising and lowering the water height in my sump and made no difference.

[flipteg]

yes, i've read your first post. from the picture you posted you didn't seem to have raised it enough. in your picture, you pointed at your skimmer water line. are you trying to say that closing the outlet valve fully and the water line inside the skimmer doesn't change?

[dave90ztt]

i said in my 1st couple posts that in order to pull any gunk i have to run the water line 2 inches from the top of the neck, the lines i put on the 1st picture i posted. Yes i can close the wedge pipe and the water level goes up or down depending the direction i turn it. I just think its crazy to run the water level that high in order for the skimmer to pull anything out