Octopus Skimmer Mods - Page 20

Jayreefer · 10/23/2006, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Lake75
Got the NW150 and did the gate valve mod same as the one sold by Marine Solutions. At first, I submerged the output under water surface and it was quiet. Then I read that this will cause backpressure on the skimmer, but after having tried to raise the output above water, I found the splashing sound was too much to bear. So I replaced the 90 degree elbow with a Tee according to other people's post. Now I can submerge the output w/o causing the backpressure (at least that's what I was told), but it still has a kind of trickling sound which is quite annoying. Other than using a filter sock, is there any good method to eliminate this?

Put a cap at the top of the T and drill 3-4 1/4" holes in it. It will stop the splashing noise, but still allow it to the siphon to break.

96p993 · 10/26/2006, 04:58 PM

I just got my nw150 octopus skimmer in the mail..When I opened the pump box there were 2 impellers. There was one that was a needlewheel and a normal impeller. The normal impeller had a broken guide shaft on it but the needlewheel was ok. I went ahead and set everything up to put in my bathtub. When I turn it on the water just barely flows out of the outlet. When I cover the hose that runs from the inlet the water comes out with force. Am I doing something wrong here? I thought that hose was to there to bring air into the skimmer.

Help please!!!

CarlC · 10/26/2006, 05:15 PM

The outlet is adjustable. Raise or lower the height of the water in skimmer by lowering or raising the outlet tube.

Carl

klasiksb · 10/26/2006, 06:18 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by CarlC
The outlet is adjustable. Raise or lower the height of the water in skimmer by lowering or raising the outlet tube.

Carl

Having run the NW-200 for a couple of months now, do yourself a favor and do the gate valve mod. I found that the 4 rings that go on the output tube loosen up and are impossible to keep up on the tube. The force of the exiting water alone will keep knocking them down. Noisy and water splashes everywhere.

I will hopefully be doing the gate valve mod tomorrow (if my gate valve comes in at Ace Hardware).

danskim · 10/26/2006, 08:36 PM

How much did you pay for the valve at Ace?
Is it a 1.5"?

klasiksb · 10/26/2006, 09:14 PM

Yeah, 1.5" at Ace was $16 and I don't have to pay for shipping. They had to get it from another store so it takes a few days to get it.

danskim · 10/26/2006, 09:40 PM

Thanks for the heads up. I'm going to have to contact my local Ace to get it for me. Much better than paying shipping for just one item.

Avast Marine · 10/26/2006, 09:52 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by dandy7200
Anyone know where I could get a 80mm union to make a new collection cup for the nw200?

Alright I bought a broken collection cup from a member here to salvage the union and guess what???? It doesn't fit

. The OD of the coupling of the union on my skimmer is 120mm and the one I bought is 140mm. Supposedly the same model skimmer, does that seem to make much sence?
Anybody have a suggestion as to how I can make this work? I can't get a new collection cup cause, no one sells them.

clkwrk · 10/27/2006, 01:49 AM

I would bug someone . There was a guy who bought a spare body. That would really suck if you couldnt get another cup.

Roland Jacques · 10/27/2006, 07:50 AM

dandy, not 100% were looking at the same measurement. the flat flange on the female side, of the one i have are 120mm.
all the ones ive seen have been the same size.

i asked SWC for a extra cup a while back no luck then, but they got shipments seens then. so i would call them again.

Avast Marine · 10/27/2006, 10:26 AM

Trust me I have been bugging for weeks at this point. I ask MS, and custom aquatics, no luck. I have not tried SWC, what is their contact info? Also trying to get a extra elbow for the pump and no one has one as of yet. Roland, That is the ID of the union nut taken with calipers, 120mm. The OD of the neck is 3.5" so I can just buy a 3" union, the problem is I wont really have the room to get a good connection if I have to cut the male end of the union off the skimmer. Not to mention I am frustrated that replacement parts are not available. I would think twice before ordering one of the bigger $$$ skimmers at this point. For the NW200 it is not a huge deal to be out the $200 but, I would be livid if I paid $700 for a big one and could not get parts. Lesson learned, don't leave the collection cup where the dog can get it

.

klasiksb · 10/27/2006, 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by danskim
Thanks for the heads up. I'm going to have to contact my local Ace to get it for me. Much better than paying shipping for just one item.

No problem. Just got mine this morning and did the mod. I didn't cut the exhaust pipe on the skimmer like octopusskimmer.com says to do. I just got a 1.5" rubber connector (someone earlier used this as well) and slipped it over the top of the exhaust pipe. Then the 1.5" piece of PVC that slips into the other end, I just wrapped a bunch of teflon tape around that pipe and it fits in there nice and snug.

I got a 1.5" pvc coupler, bit it really just sat on top of the pipe and didn't really slip down over the pipe. The rubber connector is a much better way to go IMO. It was $5 but didn't have to cut up the skimmer at all.

danskim · 10/27/2006, 11:41 AM

I just ordered the gate valve from Ace. It'll be here for me on Monday!
They sell rubber connectors at any local hardware store's plumbing section I suppose?

klasiksb · 10/27/2006, 11:51 AM

Yeah, got mine at Ace too in the plumbing section. Its a rubber coupler and has 2 hose clamps on it. Its for plastic of metal pipe. Of course, take the hose clamps off.

Avast Marine · 10/27/2006, 12:58 PM

If you use the 1 1/4" rubber boot, no need to cut anything it slips on the first riser tube tight enough that you can pick the skimmer up by the boot.

klasiksb · 10/27/2006, 01:05 PM

I looked at the 1 1/4" boot, but it wouldn't fit on rather easy, and I didn't want to try and muscle it on in fear of breaking something. I tried to slip the 1 1/4" over regular 1 1/2" PVC and it wasn't going easy, and the output from the skimmer is slightly bigger than the skimmer output tube.

The 1 1/2" boot fits nice and snug (yet goes on easily) over the original exit tube (without cutting it). No leaks from any of those connections, although it wouldn't matter anyway since it's in sump.

BigJPDC · 10/27/2006, 06:07 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Jayreefer
Put a cap at the top of the T and drill 3-4 1/4" holes in it. It will stop the splashing noise, but still allow it to the siphon to break.

got a pic? I am thinking this mod is mandatory - those foam rings are worthless.

thank you!
jp

Roland Jacques · 10/27/2006, 07:01 PM

Dandy come on, no really the dog ate it.

http://www.saltwaterconnection.com/
you have to call them, they are the Canadian importers and they been able to get products.
The US importer seems to be having problems getting stuff.

Ask them if they have any venturis also, i need two. FWIW Id look at the BM skimmers before id get any of the recircs models. and yeah yours is the same size as mine, union that is.

danskim · 11/09/2006, 09:19 AM

Picked my gate valve up at Ace. $16.99. I picked up the rubber boot for $5.xx.
Total will be much cheaper than buying that mod kit online and then paying for shipping on top of a high cost.

mthedude · 11/09/2006, 11:14 AM

Did you guys glue up the PVC section going from the riser tube to the gate valve and from the gate to the exit? MS says you don't have to but I'd think you'd have to if you don't want it to leak?

I thought about making one using screw together peices so you could take it apart for cleaning, modications, etc. Anyone done that or just used the slip fit PVC?

Lake75 · 11/09/2006, 11:19 AM

No, you don't have to glue them. The fittings are very tight and won't leak (at least nothing you couldn't visibly see). Even if they does, it won't matter since they sit in the sump. So, for the sake of easy removal, don't glue them.

Avast Marine · 11/13/2006, 08:15 PM

I decided to end my search for replacement elbow and collection cups for my nw200.
The new cup is almost done by cutting off the metric union and gluing a 3" union in place and building the cup on that.
I am just going to recirc this thing if I have to cut the inlet pump union off, so lets talk about pumps. Now that the eheim 1262 is starting to look like a real option with the ER impeller for under $200 I am thinking that it may end up being the best bet. It will essentially be a $AP701$ if I go this route without the annoying black flange. There is also the ER modded genx4100 and as I will be running this in sump at 10" deep (pump completely submerged) I can probablly live with the noise level. There is also the genx4100 with meshwheel option although that will requir some work and I sort of want to get this thing back up and running ASAP. I refuse to use the oct3000 at this point due to the fact the company has left me high and dry on this one. OR3700 might be a good choice as well. I'm leaning towards the ER4100 and the Eheim right now. Anything I am forgetting or advice/suggestions you guys might have would be greatly appretiated at this point, I want to get everything ordered by wednesday so I can do this next weekend.

Roland Jacques · 11/13/2006, 08:20 PM

dandy I would make the neck a good bit taller if your going to build it form scratch. maybe 3-4" taller it could handle more air if that's your goal. im planed on doing that myself with mine.

At least you no now to keep your dog feed LOL j/k

I like the ER4100 if it well save you some money

danskim · 11/13/2006, 08:32 PM

Hmm I was going to do the gate valve mod this weekend, but I stopped because the rubber boot is normally used for drainage.
On the sticker it says, "for drain/sewage use only." I suspect they say this because it's not made of chemically inert materials?

Roland Jacques · 11/13/2006, 08:38 PM

danskim
i thought it was because it is not strong/pressure rated like PVC. but ive used it in the past but im not sure about wether its inert. now i need to no also, good question.

10/26/2006, 09:14 PM	#481
klasiksb Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: wisconsin Posts: 1,281	Yeah, 1.5" at Ace was $16 and I don't have to pay for shipping. They had to get it from another store so it takes a few days to get it. __________________ Just a girl looking to build a little piece of heaven on earth, without killing it!

10/26/2006, 09:40 PM	#482
danskim Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Ellicott City, MD Posts: 1,639	Thanks for the heads up. I'm going to have to contact my local Ace to get it for me. Much better than paying shipping for just one item. __________________ Dan The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever. -Jacques Cousteau

10/27/2006, 01:49 AM	#484
clkwrk Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Mesa ,Az Posts: 10,257	I would bug someone . There was a guy who bought a spare body. That would really suck if you couldnt get another cup. __________________ ------- Feel free to use my photos for ONLY informative sites, education or enjoyment.All I ask is to include my Reef Central User id and where you got the photo ( RC).

10/27/2006, 07:50 AM	#485
Roland Jacques Premium Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Atlanta GA Posts: 2,848	dandy, not 100% were looking at the same measurement. the flat flange on the female side, of the one i have are 120mm. all the ones ive seen have been the same size. i asked SWC for a extra cup a while back no luck then, but they got shipments seens then. so i would call them again. __________________ Roland

10/27/2006, 10:26 AM	#486
Avast Marine RC Sponsor Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Northern VA Posts: 2,446	Trust me I have been bugging for weeks at this point. I ask MS, and custom aquatics, no luck. I have not tried SWC, what is their contact info? Also trying to get a extra elbow for the pump and no one has one as of yet. Roland, That is the ID of the union nut taken with calipers, 120mm. The OD of the neck is 3.5" so I can just buy a 3" union, the problem is I wont really have the room to get a good connection if I have to cut the male end of the union off the skimmer. Not to mention I am frustrated that replacement parts are not available. I would think twice before ordering one of the bigger $$$ skimmers at this point. For the NW200 it is not a huge deal to be out the $200 but, I would be livid if I paid $700 for a big one and could not get parts. Lesson learned, don't leave the collection cup where the dog can get it . __________________ Dan Don't rush art, you get bad art.

10/26/2006, 04:58 PM	#477
96p993 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Mckinney, Tx Posts: 1,130	I just got my nw150 octopus skimmer in the mail..When I opened the pump box there were 2 impellers. There was one that was a needlewheel and a normal impeller. The normal impeller had a broken guide shaft on it but the needlewheel was ok. I went ahead and set everything up to put in my bathtub. When I turn it on the water just barely flows out of the outlet. When I cover the hose that runs from the inlet the water comes out with force. Am I doing something wrong here? I thought that hose was to there to bring air into the skimmer. Help please!!!

10/26/2006, 05:15 PM	#478
CarlC Premium Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Leesport, PA Posts: 1,099	The outlet is adjustable. Raise or lower the height of the water in skimmer by lowering or raising the outlet tube. Carl

10/26/2006, 08:36 PM	#480
danskim Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Ellicott City, MD Posts: 1,639	How much did you pay for the valve at Ace? Is it a 1.5"?

10/27/2006, 11:41 AM	#488
danskim Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Ellicott City, MD Posts: 1,639	I just ordered the gate valve from Ace. It'll be here for me on Monday! They sell rubber connectors at any local hardware store's plumbing section I suppose? __________________ Dan The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever. -Jacques Cousteau

10/27/2006, 11:51 AM	#489
klasiksb Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: wisconsin Posts: 1,281	Yeah, got mine at Ace too in the plumbing section. Its a rubber coupler and has 2 hose clamps on it. Its for plastic of metal pipe. Of course, take the hose clamps off. __________________ Just a girl looking to build a little piece of heaven on earth, without killing it!

10/27/2006, 12:58 PM	#490
Avast Marine RC Sponsor Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Northern VA Posts: 2,446	If you use the 1 1/4" rubber boot, no need to cut anything it slips on the first riser tube tight enough that you can pick the skimmer up by the boot. __________________ Dan Don't rush art, you get bad art.

10/27/2006, 01:05 PM	#491
klasiksb Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: wisconsin Posts: 1,281	I looked at the 1 1/4" boot, but it wouldn't fit on rather easy, and I didn't want to try and muscle it on in fear of breaking something. I tried to slip the 1 1/4" over regular 1 1/2" PVC and it wasn't going easy, and the output from the skimmer is slightly bigger than the skimmer output tube. The 1 1/2" boot fits nice and snug (yet goes on easily) over the original exit tube (without cutting it). No leaks from any of those connections, although it wouldn't matter anyway since it's in sump. __________________ Just a girl looking to build a little piece of heaven on earth, without killing it!

10/27/2006, 07:01 PM	#493
Roland Jacques Premium Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Atlanta GA Posts: 2,848	Dandy come on, no really the dog ate it. http://www.saltwaterconnection.com/ you have to call them, they are the Canadian importers and they been able to get products. The US importer seems to be having problems getting stuff. Ask them if they have any venturis also, i need two. FWIW Id look at the BM skimmers before id get any of the recircs models. and yeah yours is the same size as mine, union that is. __________________ Roland

11/09/2006, 09:19 AM	#494
danskim Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Ellicott City, MD Posts: 1,639	Picked my gate valve up at Ace. $16.99. I picked up the rubber boot for $5.xx. Total will be much cheaper than buying that mod kit online and then paying for shipping on top of a high cost. __________________ Dan The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever. -Jacques Cousteau

11/09/2006, 11:14 AM	#495
mthedude Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Des Moines, IA Posts: 549	Did you guys glue up the PVC section going from the riser tube to the gate valve and from the gate to the exit? MS says you don't have to but I'd think you'd have to if you don't want it to leak? I thought about making one using screw together peices so you could take it apart for cleaning, modications, etc. Anyone done that or just used the slip fit PVC? __________________ You........Cake or Death? I'll have the cake please.... ....well we're outta cake! Current Tank Info: 55g Reef Tank, scooter blenny, tail spot blenny, cleaner shrimp, button polyps, fuzzy mushrooms, hammer coral, multi color zoos, 10 gal fuge, Octopus NW150

11/09/2006, 11:19 AM	#496
Lake75 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 158	No, you don't have to glue them. The fittings are very tight and won't leak (at least nothing you couldn't visibly see). Even if they does, it won't matter since they sit in the sump. So, for the sake of easy removal, don't glue them.

11/13/2006, 08:15 PM	#497
Avast Marine RC Sponsor Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Northern VA Posts: 2,446	I decided to end my search for replacement elbow and collection cups for my nw200. The new cup is almost done by cutting off the metric union and gluing a 3" union in place and building the cup on that. I am just going to recirc this thing if I have to cut the inlet pump union off, so lets talk about pumps. Now that the eheim 1262 is starting to look like a real option with the ER impeller for under $200 I am thinking that it may end up being the best bet. It will essentially be a $AP701$ if I go this route without the annoying black flange. There is also the ER modded genx4100 and as I will be running this in sump at 10" deep (pump completely submerged) I can probablly live with the noise level. There is also the genx4100 with meshwheel option although that will requir some work and I sort of want to get this thing back up and running ASAP. I refuse to use the oct3000 at this point due to the fact the company has left me high and dry on this one. OR3700 might be a good choice as well. I'm leaning towards the ER4100 and the Eheim right now. Anything I am forgetting or advice/suggestions you guys might have would be greatly appretiated at this point, I want to get everything ordered by wednesday so I can do this next weekend. __________________ Dan Don't rush art, you get bad art.

11/13/2006, 08:20 PM	#498
Roland Jacques Premium Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Atlanta GA Posts: 2,848	dandy I would make the neck a good bit taller if your going to build it form scratch. maybe 3-4" taller it could handle more air if that's your goal. im planed on doing that myself with mine. At least you no now to keep your dog feed LOL j/k I like the ER4100 if it well save you some money __________________ Roland

11/13/2006, 08:32 PM	#499
danskim Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Ellicott City, MD Posts: 1,639	Hmm I was going to do the gate valve mod this weekend, but I stopped because the rubber boot is normally used for drainage. On the sticker it says, "for drain/sewage use only." I suspect they say this because it's not made of chemically inert materials? __________________ Dan The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever. -Jacques Cousteau

11/13/2006, 08:38 PM	#500
Roland Jacques Premium Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Atlanta GA Posts: 2,848	danskim i thought it was because it is not strong/pressure rated like PVC. but ive used it in the past but im not sure about wether its inert. now i need to no also, good question. __________________ Roland