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View Full Version : tuning a skimmer...keeps overflowing

jasimek
11/19/2011, 07:39 PM
i keep trying to fine tune my reef octopus 150 skimmer. i get it so the bubbles go to the top before you put the lid on and where its not overflowing. i come back a little while later and the entire cup is overflowing. what is the trick to getting it where it should be?
smellslikeTUNA
11/19/2011, 07:55 PM
"fine tuning" doesn't necessarily mean get the bubbles as high as possible without spilling over. Just turn it down, start on the dryer side and slowly turn up over the course of an hour or two until the skim is as wet/dry as you want it.
jimmy frag
11/19/2011, 07:59 PM
you have it turned up way to much. go to youtube and see how one operates. good luck
jasimek
11/19/2011, 08:27 PM
ok i will see what i can do...i think its sitting in too much water too and needs to be raised up
twilmot
11/20/2011, 07:15 AM
I had the same issue with the same skimmer. Did you buy it new or used? I got mine used and it was very dirty. It took some cleaning to get it to start to work correctly. Then after the initial break in period it took some work to get it to function correctly.
If you do not have the instruction manual for it go to the companies website, and download the instruction manual. They have decent instructions on how to set it up and adjust it correctly. +1 for the you tube idea also.
daplatapus
11/20/2011, 10:08 AM
I have the SRO 2000 int and a part of the instructions is to let it run wide open for 3 weeks before adjusting. I pulled my hair out for 2 weeks trying to adjust mine before reading that part of the instructions :D duh! IF it's a new unit, open the valve up and let the unit break in and your water parameters stabilize to being skimmed.
lordofthereef
11/20/2011, 01:22 PM
ok i will see what i can do...i think its sitting in too much water too and needs to be raised up

How much water is it sitting in? usually somewhere between 7-10 inches is what is recommended for most in-sump skimmers.

I would recommend setting the bubbles to where they are in the center of the neck of the cup. They will eventually spill over. If you see nothing in a couple hours gently tweak it (usually to the left if you have a gate valve) and come back a little while later. You will eventually get it working.

is this your first skimmer?