Skimmer adjustments for beginners

[Twodogsnnc]

I have a Reef Octopus Regal 150 int with a varios adjustable dc pump. I know I need to raise it up in the sump, but what is supposed to happen with the gate valve if I turn it clockwise? Counter clockwise? What if I turn the pump up or down? Are there any other adjustments on skimmers? Sorry for the basic questions just trying to figure out how to adjust it and the reef Octopus directions are nonexistent. thanks.

 

[Jon Fishman]

Just adjust water depth that it sits in (via adjusting amount of water in that section, moving it physically up/down, or both) and don't worry about any other adjustment. The only other thing will be how much air you allow in, but set it to a medium setting whatever that is on your model, and get it set up where it doesn't skim at all, but bubbles are halfway up the neck, then let it run over-night and see where the bubbles are in the neck..... if lower, sink it deeper in the water, if higher, but not collecting in cup yet, give it another day.

 

[Jacksmedula]

Here’s my experience with the RO elite 150:

It took about 3 weeks to break in and run right.

Do yourself a favor and set the pump to max number to start.. 5 on yours? This takes away one of the adjustment variables until it breaks in.

Mine needed a decent bio load to start working as intended. Now it’s a beast. Best skimmer I’ve had.

Once it broke in, I set the water level inside the skimmer so the “fizz” is just below the connection point of the skimmer and cup. For me, it seems to be the right balance of wet/dry.

One thing I did notice is the elite 150 is pretty sensitive to sump water level. I had to raise it up so it sits at the bottom of the recommended height. 7” for mine.

They are nice once you get it dialed in.

Hope this helped... GL

 

[Twodogsnnc]

Just adjust water depth that it sits in (via adjusting amount of water in that section, moving it physically up/down, or both) and don't worry about any other adjustment. The only other thing will be how much air you allow in, but set it to a medium setting whatever that is on your model, and get it set up where it doesn't skim at all, but bubbles are halfway up the neck, then let it run over-night and see where the bubbles are in the neck..... if lower, sink it deeper in the water, if higher, but not collecting in cup yet, give it another day.

Here’s my experience with the RO elite 150:

It took about 3 weeks to break in and run right.

Do yourself a favor and set the pump to max number to start.. 5 on yours? This takes away one of the adjustment variables until it breaks in.

Mine needed a decent bio load to start working as intended. Now it’s a beast. Best skimmer I’ve had.

Once it broke in, I set the water level inside the skimmer so the “fizz” is just below the connection point of the skimmer and cup. For me, it seems to be the right balance of wet/dry.

One thing I did notice is the elite 150 is pretty sensitive to sump water level. I had to raise it up so it sits at the bottom of the recommended height. 7” for mine.

They are nice once you get it dialed in.

Hope this helped... GL

Thanks. What is the gate valve supposed to do? Raise lower the water level in the skimmer? What does turning up the pump do? Are there any other adjustments? Just trying to understand how it works.

 

[Rscott]

I to want one of these
I found this video the other day
According to BRS the pump speed has to do with contact time


What tank do you have?

 

[Jacksmedula]

Thanks. What is the gate valve supposed to do? Raise lower the water level in the skimmer? What does turning up the pump do? Are there any other adjustments? Just trying to understand how it works.

The gate valve raises and lowers the internal water level. Allows you to dial in a wet skimmate or dry or anything in between.

The trick i use is to put my finger over the air silencer (intake) and close off the air supply so there are no bubbles. After it’s just water inside, I play with the gate valve to get a Feeling for how many turns raises X amount etc.. might give you an idea of how it works overall.

Honestly? I think the adjustable pump is snake oil. I tried all different speeds, didn’t see any appreciable difference and just settled on max. One less adjustment point is one less headache IMHO. Maybe a better mind can shed more light.