Protein Skimmers help needed

Powhatan Mark · Feb 14, 2014

Hello all. I just upgraded to a reef octopus 110 and the unit is driving me crazy. I can't keep the unit dialed in. I just changed my filter (deep blue phosphate reducer) and now the unit needs to be adjusted down. Should I let it run without the collection cup for a bit ( how long) or start adjusting.....again.

I just installed a water top off unit and that's helping with some of the issues, but it seems this unit is very unforgiving.

Reefing Madness · Feb 14, 2014

Take it back out and give it a vinegar and water bath. New skimmers have a resin on them, and it may take a couple weeks to get it entirely out of the unit. The vinegar helps.

redfishbluefish · Feb 14, 2014

Mark, your statement about water top-off concerned me. A skimmer needs to have a consistent water level. The level of the water will effect the performance of the skimmer.....it needs to be a fixed level. So my suggestion (if not already done) is to put it in an area where the water level does not change.

Powhatan Mark · Feb 15, 2014

Thanks, I have had the skimmer for several months. I can't see any water fluctuations with my auto to off. ( Just installed a couple of weeks ago, holds level to a 1/64th inch) My local supply place informed me this is common with the filter I installed and the unit will settle out in 24 hrs.
Do you feel I need to add a partition to my sump? I have the stuff to do it, just thought it would be a waist of time.

Thanks again

Waters · Feb 15, 2014

Yeah, you definitely want the skimmer in a section of your sump that doesn't change. I have three compartments....the only one that loses water due to evaporation is the last section with the pump. If the water level is changing, you will never get the skimmer to dial in. It doesn't sound like yours is fluctuating though. May just need to be broken in. Mine took at least a month before it started to be consistent with water level and skimmate production.