Reef octopus 100 problems

ahiggins · Dec 18, 2016

hello!
I put a new classic 100 reef octopus skimmer on my tank Friday (now Sunday) and it's not pulling any skimmate out of the first chamber.
It's also putting so many micro bubbles into the tank.
When I put it on and started it, I saw what I would expect from a skimmer, big bubbles pulling out a little gunk. Now its like it's only pulling micro bubbles. I have a small piece of filter pad in the last chamber, it's cutting down the bubbles by a little bit.
I have no idea what to do.
Second issue, how can I mod the output to get rid of the micro bubbles? Could I put a filter sock under it?
Pics:

vic5hands · Dec 18, 2016

takes a couple of day to start

ahiggins · Dec 18, 2016

Ok, so after it gets started...that still doesn't explain the massive amount of micro bubbles

moreef · Dec 18, 2016

looks like a freshly poured sprite but should look like a fresh poured mug of beer

seriously doesn't look like a lot of bubbles but maybe someone else will chime in I don't have that type of skimmer.

Shotscane · Dec 18, 2016

The micro bubbles are normal for the first week. Vinegar baths help with this. Looks like the pumps air intake needs some adjusting.

ahiggins · Dec 18, 2016

1eberk said:
looks like a freshly poured sprite but should look like a fresh poured mug of beer seriously doesn't look like a lot of bubbles but maybe someone else will chime in I don't have that type of skimmer.

Right! Lol

Shotscane said:
The micro bubbles are normal for the first week. Vinegar baths help with this. Looks like the pumps air intake needs some adjusting.

I need to research that. It didn't come with a manual so I don't know if I can change it.

Shotscane · Dec 18, 2016

I'm not incredibly familiar with that particular model but there should be a valve or thumb screw on the tubing that connects to the pump itself allowing you to control the amount of air the pump takes in.

Shotscane · Dec 18, 2016

If you take a full picture of the unit it might help to direct you on how to adjust the skimmer. Your bubbles should be rising to the neck of the skimmer. If you restrict the air flow going to the pump you should be able to accomplish this.

ahiggins · Dec 18, 2016

I appreciate it-this is the only user manual I have and could find:
http://blog.coralvue.com/download/7292/

ahiggins · Dec 18, 2016

Ps. The deforming device doesnt do jack. The bubbles make it rise to water level leaving the tube completely open and micro bubbles going everywhere.
In the last compartment, where the return pump is, I have a filter pad that is helping at the moment with the bubbles.

Shotscane · Dec 19, 2016

Like I said I would not worry about the micro bubbles at this point. If this is a new unit as stated then the micro bubbles are an expected part of the break in period on the skimmer. This can take up to a week. Your more pressing issue is to ensure the water level is within proper level of the neck of the skimmer collection cup. You need to move the o-ring on the collection cup to push the cup further down into the skimmer to begin collecting waste.

Darryl · Dec 19, 2016

Shotscane said:
Like I said I would not worry about the micro bubbles at this point. If this is a new unit as stated then the micro bubbles are an expected part of the break in period on the skimmer. This can take up to a week. Your more pressing issue is to ensure the water level is within proper level of the neck of the skimmer collection cup. You need to move the o-ring on the collection cup to push the cup further down into the skimmer to begin collecting waste.

BUT DONT COVER THE OVERFLOW HOLE WITH THE CUP
leave the skimmer run for a week or more before it starts working
dump the sponge on output and the square one on return tube doesn't do anything useful