- First Look at the Super Reef Octopus Skimmers -

[westmoorenerd]

JR, question...

I have an SRO-5000EXT on my system, it's been on for about 3 days now, but I'm not pulling anything out of my tank. Where should the water level be set inside the chamber? Right now it just doesn't seem to form a foam head at all, even though I know there's enough nutrients in the water with my tang, puffer, damsel, groupers, and shark.... Plus the whole tank's been running without a skimmer for 6 months now...

[JRaquatics]

Originally Posted by westmoorenerd

JR, question...

I have an SRO-5000EXT on my system, it's been on for about 3 days now, but I'm not pulling anything out of my tank. Where should the water level be set inside the chamber? Right now it just doesn't seem to form a foam head at all, even though I know there's enough nutrients in the water with my tang, puffer, damsel, groupers, and shark.... Plus the whole tank's been running without a skimmer for 6 months now...

It will take at least 2-3 weeks for the skimmer to break in. It will start to build a slime coat within a week and then it will begin to show signs of a formation of a foam head. Give the skimmer time to break in otherwise it will have random points in time where it will overflow if the water level is too high.

[James404]

Hey I'm about to place an order on your site for a Internal Xp5000 and according to the banner here on RC theres a coupon code for 5% off (RSSRO5). I used this code on my last skimmer purchase from you and it worked, doesnt seem to work now, is it still going?

[acropora nut]

Thank you for your support
Please use the code RC5%OFF
If you have any other issues please give me a call....

Mike

[James404]

Thanks Mike, ordered placed

[Lam Ly]

Hi Mike,

Which SRO have the 8" neck?

Thanks,
Lam

[acropora nut]

Here you go....
I am using the XP 8000 EXT now... Its a BEAST


Super Reef Octopus XP8000 External Protein Skimmer

http://www.reefspecialty.com/virtuem...n-skimmer.html

Super Reef Octopus XP8000 Internal Protein SKimmer

http://www.reefspecialty.com/virtuem...n-skimmer.html

[sean A.]

Originally Posted by JRaquatics

This new line of skimmers is called Super Reef Octopus. The skimmer pumps are called Bubble Blasters and are reported to pull an incredible 85 SCFH at 50 watts! They will come in a few different sizes in internal and external Recirculating form. A 6000 model will have the pump placed internally within the skimmer to give a smaller foot print (a sump saver). The Bubble Blaster is a new pump to the aquarium market that holds a ton of potential and will come with a 3year warranty.

This 10" body skimmer below is the 5000 Interior model.






The same motor block will be used for the new water circulation pumps which will be called Water Blasters. More pics and info to come. Check out our Twitter feed to get the latest news on these skimmers and more.

[rinconmike]

Originally Posted by JRaquatics

Keep it where it is at for a few more days but clean out the neck with some fresh scott towells. You have a decent bioload for the system so the skimmer is a good fit. Just keep up with the carbon which should help remove any chemicals and oils from the tank.

It has been about a month since I received the new pump. The skimmer (XP2000sss) seems to perform well after feeding. However, I still have a lot of micro bubbles. Is this normal to have the micro bubbles. Gets a bit annoying in the display.

thanks

[acropora nut]

Try positioning the output pipe as far away from the intake... You can also incorporate a sponge in your baffle system. Just make sure you keep it clean.

[rinconmike]

thanks. the output is as far away as I can get it from the main pump intake.

For the sponge, just put it under the output of the skimmer? Would the sponge that came with a Mag drive 1800 work (i am not using it)?

[acropora nut]

Does your sump have any type of baffles built into it?
You would put the sponge between them.

[rinconmike]

no.

here is a pic

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/5728038/skimmer/DSC00533.jpg

I did not have the micro bubbles with the old pump after it broke in for a couple of weeks. Maybe because it was bad???

[acropora nut]

WOW tight fit... The only option is to run the sponge on the intake .. Please be sure you keep it very clean. Now that the pump is performing correctly you will have more micro bubbles. More Air that's a good thing.

[rinconmike]

ok. will any adjustment in skimmer height vs opening and closing he valve make a difference?

I assume if I raise it a little more I can close teh valve more or if I lower it, I can open the valve more. I am not sure if that will make a difference with the micro bubbles.

thanks

[acropora nut]

Don't Change the skimmer height... Try to find a block sponge (lg) cut a hole out for the intake of your pump. The larger the sponge the more surface area for the water to enter the pump without restriction.

[Raptorv205]

This is nice!!! But out of my budget I guess I'm stuck with my $100.00 pskimmer

[Genesis1:21]

Hey I got a question,
Why did they not put a gate valve on the Hurricone model? Man, that is a good lookin skimmer!
Thanks

[acropora nut]

There are many high end skimmers on the market today that use the wedge pipe to control the water level ... It all comes down to personal preference .. Many feel the wedge pipe is more precise than the gate valve...

[The Velvet Sea]

This forum and thread in particular has been the best source of info for these SRO skimmers and I have read nearly all of it, so please forgive me for jumping in on a sponsor's topic:

I'm running a brand new SRO-1000int that has been constantly overflowing for about 10 days now on a brand new 75 gallon with 20 long sump setup. The skimmer is amazing. The swirling froth inside the cone is great, but it just produces way too much. The collection cup fills with clear water in a matter of minutes. I currently have the drain tube from the collection cup returning the water back to the sump. I initially installed the skimmer in 6.5" water depth and now have it currently at 5" water depth held constant by a baffle; the skimmer is sitting in water that comes about even with the lowest red line on the label sticker. The gate valve is wide open, the output is completely above the water level in the sump, and there is nothing obstructing the venturi. Mechanically, I can't think of a a logical cause of the overflowing.

Everything about my setup is brand new:
-Fresh mixed RO/DI with instant ocean about 2 weeks ago
-Added Dry BRS Pukani Rock about 2 weeks ago that actually had a bit of death to it and made the water stink for about 2 days (hopefully helped start my nitrogen cycle)
-Dry caribsea reef grade sand, rinsed a couple times with tap water first
-DIY sump baffles were siliconed and then cured 3 days before seeing water (possible chemical cause to the overflowing?)
-Slip fit PVC plumbing used purple primer and pvc cement, cured 1 day before adding water (possible chemical cause to the overflowing?)
-Brand new felt filter socks (I've had other skimmers over react whenever I put in new polyfilters, possible cause?)
-I did not use any water conditioner of any kind. I've not added any additives whatsoever.

I'm trying not to do water changes yet because I want to let the nitrogen cycle proceed. I'm going to set up a carbon reactor with BRS Rox to see if that helps improve things. All I can think of is that there is a chemical cause due to something in the water.

Any thoughts? Thanks in advance.

[acropora nut]

There has to be something in your water making the skimmer go nuts.
I would run a large amount of carbon and do a few large water changes ... This should help. Also check the air intake for any obstructions.

[The Velvet Sea]

Thanks very much for the reply! The consensus seems to all agree that something in my water is making the skimmer go nuts. I'll load up my reactor with carbon first thing when I get home this evening, and I'll double check the air intake to the skimmer just to be sure, but I'm fairly certain it is not blocked since the amount of air injection this thing is getting blows away any other skimmer I've ever owned. It is very impressive in that regard. Thanks again!

[Saltwatercoral2]

I am upgrading to a 275 gallon total volume tank.. I plan to have a heavy bioload. What skimmer would be best for me. SRO 3000 or the SRO 5000, both being internal protein skimmers. Thanks!

[westmoorenerd]

Hey guys, I just wanted to add a few pictures of my SRO-5000EXT in action!

First two are when it was still breaking in, thus the tea colored skim:



With my wife next to it for size comparison:



Broken in:





Can you see the layer of sludge???

[westmoorenerd]

Originally Posted by Saltwatercoral2

I am upgrading to a 275 gallon total volume tank.. I plan to have a heavy bioload. What skimmer would be best for me. SRO 3000 or the SRO 5000, both being internal protein skimmers. Thanks!

I would go with the SRO-3000 if I were you.