protien skimmer goes bananas at night

[flobup]

so I just got a new octopus 150s skimmer, got it set up nicely (I thought ) the bubbles rise to the top of the collection cup and works nicely when I observe throughout the day but some when I wake up and check it some mornings the cup is completely full and looks as if its been shooting water everywhere... anyone know why this is happening?

 

[JasonK84]

so I just got a new octopus 150s skimmer, got it set up nicely (I thought ) the bubbles rise to the top of the collection cup and works nicely when I observe throughout the day but some when I wake up and check it some mornings the cup is completely full and looks as if its been shooting water everywhere... anyone know why this is happening?

It needs to get “broke in” before it’s performance will stabilize. This can take up to 2 weeks.

 

[flobup]

its been up for about 3 weeks lol

 

[flobup]

although the manual says it does best at 7-9 inches but my sumps water is around 9.5 inches and I don't know how to lower in the water in the skimmer section

 

[mav3rick478]

although the manual says it does best at 7-9 inches but my sumps water is around 9.5 inches and I don't know how to lower in the water in the skimmer section

Use egg crate or a skimmer stand to raise your skimmer, it's the same effect as lowering your water level.

 

[flobup]

oh really? wasn't aware of that... do I order those from BRS or do local stores sell them? (my LFS is **** btw) lol

 

[khushtram]

Home Depot carries egg crates

 

[Hemmdog]

oh really? wasn't aware of that... do I order those from BRS or do local stores sell them? (my LFS is **** btw) lol

You make them, super easy.

 

[Bob Loblaw]

Ceramic media plates can be used as a lift too.

 

[BestMomEver]

Or take the lid off and slide it underneath. My Octo 150s is amazing. Once it breaks in, you’ll love it.

 

[flobup]

Or take the lid off and slide it underneath. My Octo 150s is amazing. Once it breaks in, you’ll love it.

What water level do you run it at ? And what number of tunning

 

[BestMomEver]

About 7-8 inches or so. And I’m not sure if the number. I just click it up or down as needed. I also use a valve on the air tubing thing to adjust the amount of bubbles. It’s like fine tuning.

 

[flobup]

About 7-8 inches or so. And I’m not sure if the number. I just click it up or down as needed. I also use a valve on the air tubing thing to adjust the amount of bubbles. It’s like fine tuning.

a valve on the little white tube that goes inside the tunner?

 

[flobup]

another question, why does the water change levels so much? ill get it perfect and then the water level either drops or I come back an hour later and the collection cup is completely full of water

 

[BestMomEver]

another question, why does the water change levels so much? ill get it perfect and then the water level either drops or I come back an hour later and the collection cup is completely full of water

The water level in the sump directly effects the water in the skimmer. Your click adjuster can help but it can’t alter a huge amount. The higher the sump water, the higher the level in the skimmer. As for the valve, yes it’s on the air tube. I put the click adjuster low and then adjust the amount of bubbles with the valve.

 

[Fishfinder]

First you need to make sure that the water level in your skimmer section is staying the same. Do you have an ATO? are you adding water manually? Are any other pumps turning on or off throughout the day?