OCTO 110 Issue

[Dom]

Above is an image of my Protein Skimmer; a Reef Octopus 110. As you can see, it is broken in and produces good skim.

Occasionally, and very randomly, the collection cup will overflow... as if someone played with the water level adjustment. But seeing how I live alone and don't believe in gremlins, there seems to be a mechanical issue.

I have a 15 gallon ATO reservoir, so it isn't a water level issue related to evaporation. I've also completely disassembled the skimmer, cleaned it completely, including disassembly of the pump.

As I said, this is very random, so I am at a loss to understand the cause. And as a problem solver, this is frustrating.

Has anyone ever experienced this sort of problem with their skimmer and if so, can you please share your solution?

Thanks,
Dom

 

[Flippers4pups]

Above is an image of my Protein Skimmer; a Reef Octopus 110. As you can see, it is broken in and produces good skim.

Occasionally, and very randomly, the collection cup will overflow... as if someone played with the water level adjustment. But seeing how I live alone and don't believe in gremlins, there seems to be a mechanical issue.

I have a 15 gallon ATO reservoir, so it isn't a water level issue related to evaporation. I've also completely disassembled the skimmer, cleaned it completely, including disassembly of the pump.

As I said, this is very random, so I am at a loss to understand the cause. And as a problem solver, this is frustrating.

Has anyone ever experienced this sort of problem with their skimmer and if so, can you please share your solution?

Thanks,
Dom

Is it setting in 7"-8" of water?

 

[jda]

Does the ATO empty into a place where that chamber can have more freshwater and the salinity drops? Air bubbles are larger in lower salinity and this can cause skimmers to overflow.

 

[Dom]

Is it setting in 7"-8" of water?

Well... it sits in the return chamber of the sump, which is a 20 long Aqueon tank. The tank is 12 inches high and the water level rests at the half way point, so, I would estimate it sits in 6 - 7 inches of water.

How will this cause the problem I am experiencing?

 

[Dom]

Does the ATO empty into a place where that chamber can have more freshwater and the salinity drops? Air bubbles are larger in lower salinity and this can cause skimmers to overflow.

Yes; the float valve (https://www.saltwateraquarium.com/rodi-float-valve-kit-eshopps) resides in the same chamber as as the Protein Skimmer.

But would the small amount of RODI entering the return chamber from the ATO be enough to reduce salinity that much and cause the problem I am experiencing?

 

[jda]

How much is a small amount? A liter or two could change the salinity enough. If a float is all that you are using to control your top off, then you might consider a better plan - they all eventually stick, freeze or do other stupid things and can dump too much water into the tank. Perhaps this float is acting inconsistently which is why you are having intermittent issues.