Octopus PoV DC-2 Attempt at a Review (Very Pic Intensive)

[kris4647]

So I've been around here for a while and I'd like to try to give something back for once. So I wanted a change. Since around 2005? I've owned BK skimmers and eventually ATB. Matter of fact I was the owner of one of the first BK-Ext that made it over in a crate. I'm not bragging just saying I've owned a lot of quality skimmers that sorta gives me a bit of perspective on what goes into a skimmer from quality to adjustment. Im no Mojo but Ive tinkered with quite a few Anyway enough with the blather what you are here for, I owned a BK Mini 200. It performed well, still does, but I wanted in on one of the newer designs. Some would argue thought process but hey I like toys.

Options narrowed to Rlss or Reef Octopus.

Looking strictly at the numbers the POV was the winner but there were some strong advocates of RLSS(I needed an 8" lid for my neck cleaner). I was stuck on the open volute design so since the RLSS 8" version wasn't available for now(eta august). After talking to Chris at Salty I went with the Octopus POV DC-2. Yes it's over kill on a 120g system but I keep anemones and feed like crazy so I wanted the biggest thing I could fit in my sump.

First impressions. Well packed. Not much to it till you pulled the pump out. Here's some pictures..

http://i39.*******.com/25k6hi8.jpg
http://i41.*******.com/2rbyxd5.jpg
http://i42.*******.com/2wnu7ir.jpg
http://i44.*******.com/2n8a6i8.jpg
http://i44.*******.com/2zyy7nc.jpg
http://i42.*******.com/m95zqe.jpg
http://i42.*******.com/2wgc555.jpg
http://i41.*******.com/2zdvoqw.jpg
http://i41.*******.com/2n1gyzo.jpg

Assembled, sorry lots of cataloging of the pump volute because well, that's the new part. I'm sorry if I'm uploading too many, it's a pain but when I was shopping I woulda killed for info and pics. Last one shows the complete skimmer. Little disappointed that the pump assembly just kinda sits on the btm vs being secured. I've spoken with Jeremy quite a bit so I'm sure he'll chime in here or explain that part of the design. It's one thing that the internal "space saver" pumps do is screw the pump assembly of w/e sort to the base plate. Works fine just one of the things I would've changed.

http://i40.*******.com/kams87.jpg

[kris4647]

Now into the sump. I don't vinegar rinse my skimmers it serves little purpose in my opinion. I did rinse it in the sink, ��.
More pics. Sorry I need a controller so cords are everywhere.
Level3? I think. The soft start is cool.
http://i40.*******.com/5pqtxv.jpg

Again the POV; the silicone cord you see is the air in. I'd have liked some type of air control somewhere, thinking carefully the silencer itself has two inlets and includes a cap which regulates air in a bit. In the skimmers defense, I gotta say I Normally have the air wide open. Jeremy recommends running one of the air inlets outside the cabinet. To disburse the sheer volume of air entering the silencer in one place. Lets talk about that. I heard some issues with the silencer in another thread. First it's not that bad, second 2000+lph of air is a almost unheard of volume (i know there are outliers but for this size of skimmer its just my opinion) of air from one pump to try to regulate regarding air noise. Back to the action.
Wide open
http://i43.*******.com/30ttjys.jpg

This is the first time the skimmer was in the sump so the bubble size and turbulence isn't representative of normal running with bacterial coat etc.
This is two hours in
http://i42.*******.com/kebs0p.jpg
So in the words of some goofy reality tv guy it's time for "live action!"no turtles will be harmed in my sump.

[kris4647]

Skimmer in 6-7 hours. Performing well.

Okay so I've never done a video and its poorly done but here ya go. Ill let the skimmer fully break in prior to anymore critiques or positive aspects.(I will agree with some of my fellow hobbyists that have been extremely disappointed with the instruction manual, for new hobbyists it's bad).
Night one pics and bad video

http://i43.*******.com/32zhuno.jpg
http://i39.*******.com/20kpsh5.jpg

View My Video (http://*******.com/r/6i465v/5)

I think it's a solid choice for the money and new technology behind it especially if you are short on space. Still pulling at least 2k LPh at level 5. Going to beef up my meter tomorrow

Gnight for now.

[Dmoody]

Good review thus far. I have the DC-1 on my 90 gallon and I'm not looking back. These things are great. I even run mine in water that is about 3 inches over the recommended limit and it doesn't even phase this thing.

[kris4647]

Initially I thought it was just too much air, because I saw some channeling through the foam head. Then this morning it had settled into a nice even flow of small bubbles in the neck. Just need to slow down and watch it for a few days before I make any judgements.

I didn't want to skew the results but I lost a frag in the rockwork and you know how that is ill change this and do this next thing you know it's completely redone. So only one pic of this morning.

http://i44.*******.com/34fz30g.jpg

Couldn't resist this is after blowing off my rocks and cleaning up the sand bed.

http://i41.*******.com/24x1c0i.jpg

[leeit2me]

nice review!.

so if I want to clean the volute (from salt built up from the air intake ) I would have to take the whole skimmer out, disassemble the whole skimmer to get to that volute. I like a skimmer where i can get to the volute pretty easily or maybe it's just me. LOL

[McGee10]

Very nice I will have to give it a look. I am looking for a skimmer for my 75 Gal trying to find best bang for the buck

[jaynigz]

Been running my dc2 for a few days now. All I can say is its everything as advertised. Small form. Great skimmer.

[kris4647]

Sorry the week has been very busy

Here's a look at the wattage full speed sorry its upside down. :/(36)
http://i41.*******.com/2i111cg.jpg

I'm not sure how to explain the lower wattage. I mean hey I'm not griping about less power but it may explain the 400 LPh I'm missing. I can't speak to that definitively since my meter isn't hooked up well ATM.

Ill be fixing the air meter and summing up tomorrow.

[crushnburn46]

Is there anyways i can ran this in 9 to 10 inch water depth?

[Dmoody]

I run mine in 9 inches

[kris4647]

Yea the gate valve can compensate for some sump level changes either way.
Tonight lets look at two perceived problems and see if they are real.

1-Silencer is loud. Okay this one is silly. You are pulling at least 2k LPh of air through two not even 3/8"(sorry I don't do metric) tubes. There's gonna be an audible sound. You could tinker with media in the silencer but to me anything that may reduce air flow is bad. I took the foam out of my BK silencer :). Anyway plz dont laugh at me this is a very short video on the silencer.

POV-DC-2_Silencer (http://*******.com/r/vox4j9/5)

2-The other reported problem is micro bubbles. Unfortunately this problem is real and ill be uploading a video of the mechanics of how it's happening tomorrow; enough embarrassment for one day.
I want to mention also that my purpose in this review is to give prospective buyers and possibly CoralVue some feedback on what I consider to be a big step forward in skimming. I think this skimmer would shut down some of its more expensive contemporaries.

Btw due to popular demand this is skimmate since Friday around noon, low bioload 100g~. Full blast air and pump.
http://i42.*******.com/dzb29j.jpg

[marc nichols]

nice review!.

so if I want to clean the volute (from salt built up from the air intake ) I would have to take the whole skimmer out, disassemble the whole skimmer to get to that volute. I like a skimmer where i can get to the volute pretty easily or maybe it's just me. LOL

On my old skimmer, I simply immersed the air inlet tube in a very hot cup of DI water while skimmer is running. Dissolves the salt nicely. Should work on any skimmer. Not to that point with my DC-1 yet.

[kris4647]

Ill get into the volute cleaning later, I think it's sorta a non-issue

Here's a chronological skimmate picture

http://i40.*******.com/2gxnsb8.jpg

[crushnburn46]

Im a bout to pull the trigger on this beast... But waveline dc pumps have ceramic to ceramic bearings that holds the impeller on both sides instead of rubber, does anyone have info on this diablo dc pumps?

[crushnburn46]

Tnx dmoody,

[kris4647]

Today's update not much new I'm trying some more adjustments to get a more stable foam head. I can see where the sheer volume of air can really be difficult for some to dial in properly. I spoke a little with Jeremy considering the microbubble difficulties that some are reporting(I find their claims valid, fwiw)and ill report his take and my opinion as well.

I think there are a few issues that need to be fixed and while CoralVue has been responsive to my concerns. I wouldn't be honest if I didn't tell you that they weren't really all that interested in my opinion either. More on that tonight along with video of those darn microbubbles and why.

[kris4647]

Im a bout to pull the trigger on this beast... But waveline dc pumps have ceramic to ceramic bearings that holds the impeller on both sides instead of rubber, does anyone have info on this diablo dc pumps?

I don't have that info. I can tell you that according to my retailer your options are few are there unless you step up to the 10" version of the RLSS. To my knowledge RLSS is retooling their 8" bodied skimmers. I'll double check for you.

[crushnburn46]

Looking forward for that video, im actually rooting for rlss db8I but the wait is damn way too long since january. I believe they have a big problem on design of the new bodies considering the new pumps are available already. Or maybe budget like rich of saltysupply said. Whatever it is i gave up on them and look forward with dc2

[crushnburn46]

Mnn i thought about getting the db10 since i have heavy bioload on my 120, but my skimmer section in my sump is 13.5x10 even. so, im not sure if this will fit. But tnx for you kind suggestion. Im all behind your final verdict on dc2 results.

[marc nichols]

Four weeks on and lots of bubbles in the reaction chamber, a very quiet pump but very little skimmate in the collection cup. Above power 3, it chugs like an old steam locomotive...really! The bubble column rises and falls with the intake chugging. Jeremy is working on a solution and in that regard, I think Coral Vue has to be recognized and commended. But like your experience, not interested in my theory or suggestion to perform a test here. Looking at it from their end, probably a rational process, however. (and no microbubbles)


Today's update not much new I'm trying some more adjustments to get a more stable foam head. I can see where the sheer volume of air can really be difficult for some to dial in properly. I spoke a little with Jeremy considering the microbubble difficulties that some are reporting(I find their claims valid, fwiw)and ill report his take and my opinion as well.

I think there are a few issues that need to be fixed and while CoralVue has been responsive to my concerns. I wouldn't be honest if I didn't tell you that they weren't really all that interested in my opinion either. More on that tonight along with video of those darn microbubbles and why.

[Dbondaruk]

So are happy with this skimmer

[kris4647]

Well unless you are at 5/6 I'm not sure getting the throughput through the chamber to sneak under the outlet and hit the microbubble wall.

But to your issue I've seen the same thing, not as pronounced, but a couple of things to try although I'm sure it seems like you've done everything.

Put the black cap on one air inlet on the silencer.
Restrict the air into the other inlet. See if it stops. Mine does a chugging number and I think it's too much air around the pin wheel and causes the motor to surge. I saw it doing this on the kill a watt. I also turned down the pump while trying this. Over time I eased the pump up and lost the black cap.

If this doesn't work try the same thing but turn it off and on with the air restricted.

Also block in both air inlets and ease the air in to the Venturi. Even with the slow start I think too much air is the key. The impeller has nothing but air to push against so it has no resistance then hits a slug of water and chug chug chug.

These are just my uneducated opinions, but I have reproduced them.

Best of luck

[Joe0813]

probably buying a dc2 in the next few weeks

[kris4647]

Microbubble issue.

Manufacturer's take
Coralvue is of the opinion that "After about 4 weeks this should be a non issue. Of all our test models the micro bubbles where only present during the first 3-4 weeks and only became present when conditioners, putties and other items that we randomly test that cause a change in the surface tension of the water"


My POV is performing spot on, level 6 pulling around 2200lph air. It's around 2 1/2 weeks old. I wouldn't trade it for the BK that sat there before it.

Microbubbles (http://*******.com/r/2uqhtt2/5)

[JonnyD91]

Microbubble issue.

Manufacturer's take
Coralvue is of the opinion that "After about 4 weeks this should be a non issue. Of all our test models the micro bubbles where only present during the first 3-4 weeks and only became present when conditioners, putties and other items that we randomly test that cause a change in the surface tension of the water"

My POV is performing spot on, level 6 pulling around 2200lph air. It's around 2 1/2 weeks old. I wouldn't trade it for the BK that sat there before it.

Microbubbles (http://*******.com/r/2uqhtt2/5)

This is correct. After 3 1/2 weeks all micro bubbles wee gone on my dc1, running at level 6.

[kris4647]

I'm a month in and those are still representative of the microbubbles I have.

It's a beautifully made skimmer I tried to stay neutral but I really like its design and form factor micro bubbles don't factor due to my sump's design. It's a brand new skimmer it's probably gonna have v2a at some point. Sign me up.

[goreef170]

I'm a month in and those are still representative of the microbubbles I have.

It's a beautifully made skimmer I tried to stay neutral but I really like its design and form factor micro bubbles don't factor due to my sump's design. It's a brand new skimmer it's probably gonna have v2a at some point. Sign me up.

v2a ?? meaning....???

[kris4647]

Primarily meaning if a segment of the 2s that have gone out have a known issue the vacuform can be tweaked.

Can you post a picture or vid of your skimmer running at six with no Microbubbles leaving the body via the curve up to the gate valve assembly. Like I did. You are running a model one so that's a different pump and we can't ever match water quality intangibles like surface tension salinity etc. Would still be interesting to see. Also be interesting to hear your air draw.
Thanks very much!

[goreef170]

Thanks kris :)

[kris4647]

I'm sorry the majority of that should be directed at Johnny, no disrespect but it's easy to say this is doing blank. It's an entirely different issue to video it talk to the manufacturer and update it, I welcome anyone with a DC2 to chip in their experiences.

[JonnyD91]

Ok,

A couple of things.

1. I really think you would be hard fought to find a skimmer that omits 0 micro bubbles, the entire concept of a skimmer revolves around it. It is more so how the are handled afterward.

2. IMO, I think your water level in your skimmer is too high, i think from the images i see, the entire skimmer output is submerged? if so it shouldn't be. I tried it both ways and when it was not completely submerged i noticed better skimmate production and less micro bubbles.

3. Again IMO, i believe the "space" between the bottom of the sump and the skimmer intake is not enough. I ran my skimmer on the floor of the sump and then put it on the egg crate stand and did notice a lot less turbulence and a higher skimmate production in that configuration.

My recommendations to configure these skimmers are as follows:

1. Try to keep it in as close to 6.5 inches of water.
2. Do not submerge the entire output pipe.
3. Run it on full speed, the variable speed is cool but IMO kinda pointless. I wanted very low wattage so i was attracted to the DC pump.
4. Lift it up so there is more space between the intake and the floor of the sump.

I was probably one of if not the first to get this skimmer. I messed around with it a lot. I did not document all of it. The only thing i never measured was how much air it pulls. My previous skimmer was a monster, MSX 200 modded and i added the BB3000 to it. This thing blows it out of the water with consistency and performance.

Check out the video below, I am trying to show how it really is how you take care of the micro bubbles after the skimmer out take. You can see i have a ton of MB from my drain, i would shut it down to show the MB from just the skimmer but that usually makes it overflow because the water level rises in the skimmer when the return pump is off. You can see in the return section of the sump there are pretty much no MB, and there are no MB in my display.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uoze5bKMXJ4&feature=youtu.be

EDIT: After looking at your MB video again, i was getting MB just like that when i first put the skimmer in, to the point that it was getting in the display. In 3 weeks to a month they were almost non existent. The only thing i did was after running the skimmer for a few days i gave it a vinegar bath in hot water.

[JonnyD91]

Primarily meaning if a segment of the 2s that have gone out have a known issue the vacuform can be tweaked.

Can you post a picture or vid of your skimmer running at six with no Microbubbles leaving the body via the curve up to the gate valve assembly. Like I did. You are running a model one so that's a different pump and we can't ever match water quality intangibles like surface tension salinity etc. Would still be interesting to see. Also be interesting to hear your air draw.
Thanks very much!

Sorry missed this when i was writing my first post, I will have the video up in a few minutes.

EDIT:

Ok, its a little hard to see and i also just shut down the return so is is a little residual MB from the drain. You can see its is significantly less MB then the video you posted. They are almost non existent. Sorry if the video make you sick lol.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Itl57qvKhKU&feature=youtu.be

[kris4647]

Thanks for your input Johnny, lot of caffeine there but valid points.

1. I've never had a problem with my skimmer, I've lauded it throughout the review

2. You may have a point here. It's normal position is about an inch lower (i changed water that day and never get my guzzintus right)but as Johnny has opined any back pressure on the skimmer water column is bad and can cause problems that can be attributed elsewhere. Again I've not ever had an overflow problem or I would hopped on with the others in other thread.

3. My skimmer is on a stand. I assume you are advocating this for the increased water suction or less detritus or debris?

4. What are you looking to achieve with an additional vinegar bath? If we agree that perhaps a slime coat helps with microbubbles why kill it? Or does the extra time represent something else?

Thanks for the tips!

[JonnyD91]

4. What are you looking to achieve with an additional vinegar bath? If we agree that perhaps a slime coat helps with microbubbles why kill it? Or does the extra time represent something else?

Thanks for the tips!

I was really just throwing that out there. I believe you had said you did not give your skimmer a vinegar bath? I figured it was a "difference", Since I had. The only reason I did it was because i had my old skimmer in the sink giving it a bath, so I figured why not throw the new one in there too. Not sure if it helped or not but it is a variable between our skimmers.

[kris4647]

While i appreciate your input; perhaps share your knowledge in the other thread, Johnny.

Now that you said it not sure I did more than a water bath. But as I've said more than once I'm pulling over 2k with a stable foam head on 6, that's beyond specs.

We are big on CV here; Jeremy and I talked at length last night. Couldn't find a nicer more knowledgeable guy.

[kris4647]

Monster bi color skimmed a few hrs

http://i41.*******.com/2wn3fif.jpg

Looking closely you can see I routed one of the silencer inlets out of the sump area just to perhaps get dryer air. Suggestion from CV dubious but I remember hear this from back in the old days. May have to work on light dist from fuge creating body algae

[greengeco82]

Can we see a full tank shot? That way we can compare the amount of skim produced to the bioload. Its just hard to compare without pics since everyone has a different opinion on what heavy, medium, and light bioload is.

BTW, great review so far....Thanks!

[kris4647]

Sorry mr geco I have a fts this is the most handy tho atm my pets....

http://i41.*******.com/2mb904.jpg

More later. Very low tho to answer your question two carpets one pair of McCullough and one pair of breeding mandarin. I'm fixing this this weekend I hope, my dads been very sick so I haven't been around a bunch.

It must be noted that i had to remove the extension. Ill get into that later.

[greengeco82]

no prob. thanks for the reply and best wishes for you dad.

[GatorAlum05]

I've had my POV DC2 for awhile now and probably one of the first to have it. It's set in 9in of water.

Having it at 6.5 didn't do much and it was way below the neck. After raising it to 9in, the skimming have been very consistent. I closed the output entirely and it never once overflow. My skimming is coffee black. If anyone wants to see just shoot me a pm with your email and I can show you. I just don't know how to put it on this website like kris.

as far as skimming goes, this has been the most consistent skimmer I've ever had. I am not a big fan of reef octopus mid tier brand and the only reason why I went with this is the small form factor. I actually attempted to buy the BK mini 200 but was told it was on back order. At rougly 11x11 or so, this is a monster for the tank it can handle. I have a 150g with a 60g sump. Skimming is very very consistent at 9in of water. I've read that a lot of people put it at 6.5 or so. Mine is fully closed at 9in. Works like a charm.