Setting skimmer bubble level?

chris124 · Feb 21, 2014

Just set up a new reef octopus in sump skimmer. Don;t I need to set the bubble level at the base of the neck of the collection cup?

Mike J. · Feb 21, 2014

I normally set the bubble level 1 - 1 1/2" above the bottom of the cup.

Reefing Madness · Feb 21, 2014

1/4 up the neck.

Dan1789 · Feb 21, 2014

Start low and dial it in over a few days.

Papadovak · Feb 22, 2014

I'm new to this and I have the reef octopus nw150 and with it all the way open it still overflows within minutes. Need help!

oh:

Reefing Madness · Feb 22, 2014

You don't want it all the way open, thats why its overflowing. Turn the dial back until the bubbles are only to the lower portion of the neck.

Papadovak · Feb 22, 2014

Just did that and after awhile it just goes back to bubbling over like crazy. I've been looking all over the Web and found that it might be bc it's brand new does that sound right as I have no idea whatsoever...

navila06 · Feb 22, 2014

If it's new keep bubbles as low as they can go. Then dial it in after it has broken in. Which can take between a few hours and a few days.

Papadovak · Feb 22, 2014

Ok should I just remove the plug on the cup until it calms down or should I be throwing the water out

DogueDeBordeaux · Feb 22, 2014

Papadovak said:
Just did that and after awhile it just goes back to bubbling over like crazy. I've been looking all over the Web and found that it might be bc it's brand new does that sound right as I have no idea whatsoever...

Is the skimmer compartment water level stable? If not, that could be an issue. My SRO is very sensitive to water level changes in the sump.

Reefing Madness · Feb 22, 2014

If its brand new, it can take a couple of weeks to settle down. Vinegar bath to remove the acrylic resin usually helps this out some.

Papadovak · Feb 22, 2014

Water level is stable. It's water outlet is partially submerged could that have an effect on the bubbles? But I will definitely try the vinegar bath

Mike J. · Feb 23, 2014

Papadovak said:
Ok should I just remove the plug on the cup until it calms down or should I be throwing the water out

I've run into that before when putting a skimmer on a tank that hasn't one running in a while. Pour the cup out a couple of time and it will slow down. I guess that water needs to come out.

DogueDeBordeaux · Feb 23, 2014

Hopefully a good cleaning will do it. I would also check the pump just to make sure nothing is wrong there.
This is a good piece to add, and you can get the parts at the hardware store.
This is an example for the sro5000
CoralVue - Reef Octopus 50mm Skimmer Output Vent

Dan1789 · Feb 23, 2014

Just keep emptying the cup down the drain, until it settles down

wbrown · Feb 23, 2014

wow.
New skimmers should be set to have foam below the collection cup, perhaps below the reducer from the main chamber to the collection cup.
As the skimmer runs there will be a 'slime' layer applied to the interior of all the components, while this process is occuring the efficiency will change causing overflows.
If you have a drain plug in the collection cup, it is usually best to add tubing and drain this back to the sump. I seems counter-intuitive, but you wont get stable settings until the skimmer runs long enough to develop this 'slime'.
Ultimately this can take several days, but you will notice some relief after a few hours.

Papadovak · Feb 23, 2014

I was kinds worried but I guess it's normal. 5 hanks for the pointers.

Smitty007j · Mar 19, 2014

I have the exact same problem same skimmer also what did you end up doing? I have it at almost 6 inches of water and turned all the way down still overflowing.