Skimmer not pulling bubbles

Cole_lol · Oct 29, 2013

Hey all, I have a ReefOctopus NWB-150 and went to clean it today and when I put it together it wont pull any air to make the bubbles. It will pump water just fine but the air is not being pulled in. The Air inlet is clear and clean and if I am to blow into air inlet it really dose not do anything at all either. Any suggestions? Thanks, Cole PS. I am using this on a 180 gallon tank and have been wanting to upgrade so suggestions on a possible upgrade would be appreciated also!

Reefing Madness · Oct 30, 2013

:bump2:

Cole_lol · Oct 30, 2013

Update. I left it running overnight and it was working this morning. Just added some tipoff water and it stopped again. When I listen to it, it sounds like it's trying to suck air in an on and off pattern. Not sure if this helps any.

Rockhead · Oct 30, 2013

Try taking the hose off and removing the adapter that goes to the pump, sometimes the saltwater gets sucked in if you have a overflow in the cup the intake will suck in that fine mist and crystallize at the pump and restricts your air flow to the pump

Cole_lol · Oct 30, 2013

It all appeared to look clean. I cleaned sand out of it last night also. Would it be worth seeing if a different impeller would fix this issue or would that just be wasting time and money since it seems to push water just fine?

larangcon · Oct 30, 2013

My Octopus Skimmer did the same thing, someone suggested to clean and dip the pump in vinegar for a couple of hours. This worked, pump started producing bubbles again. I have been doing this procedure quarterly now and have not a problem since.

gerards_reef · Oct 31, 2013

larangcon said:
My Octopus Skimmer did the same thing, someone suggested to clean and dip the pump in vinegar for a couple of hours. This worked, pump started producing bubbles again. I have been doing this procedure quarterly now and have not a problem since.

I'm having the same issue as the op...I'll give this a shot and see if it works for me.

Cole_lol · Oct 31, 2013

Mine just started to work again. Not sure what the deal is. Our issue started with a vinegar bath when I was redoing the sump.

gerards_reef · Oct 31, 2013

I've never been able to get it to skim consistently. I'm so frustrated with it I'm considering dumping it for a different brand. I'll try the thorough cleaning again first though.

_Alex_ · Oct 31, 2013

Cole_lol said:
Mine just started to work again. Not sure what the deal is. Our issue started with a vinegar bath when I was redoing the sump.

Lol cole not sleeping much with te new baby eh? Lol glad skimmer is working again

-Alex-

Cole_lol · Oct 31, 2013

I know that a consistent water level is key. I fought that for a long time.

Cole_lol · Oct 31, 2013

_Alex_ said:
Lol cole not sleeping much with te new baby eh? Lol glad skimmer is working again

-Alex-

My sleep schedual is all jacked up. I have not gone to bed earlier then 2am most nights. But oddly enough it's not because of the baby. Just not tired. I need to break it so going back to work won't suck. Maybe the time change on Sunday will help lol.

gerards_reef · Oct 31, 2013

It's setup in the first section of my sump where the level doesn't change in about 6 inches of water.

Cole_lol · Oct 31, 2013

Is yours just pulling big bubbles or no bubbles at all? I had issues once that I had to put my finger over the pump inlet where the air comes in to get it going. Also _Alex_ told me to check the little peice where the air inlet is on the inside as I has sand in the spot the air pulls in so it was semi plugged.

gerards_reef · Oct 31, 2013

It's always the finer bubbles. It never really builds a head and pulls out anything. I always attributed it having a low bio load but thats not the case anymore.

_Alex_ · Oct 31, 2013

Raise the water level a little if possible

-Alex-

gerards_reef · Oct 31, 2013

Alex what level do you suggest?

_Alex_ · Oct 31, 2013

Not sure on that skimmer but I would suggest raising it maybe a 1/4"-1/2" a month till you find a happy spot. Also cleaning the cup and neck every few days makes a big difference

-Alex-