Reef Octopus - Issues

Chitownpw · 01/20/2015, 09:06 PM

I have a Reef Octopus - pinwheel - skimmer (Reef Octopus NWB150 6” Pinwheel). I've used it for about 6 months. Lately, it hasn't been working properly. When it turns on, it doesn't always catch to create a vortex but just vibrates and rattles a little.

I did a limited service on it the other day.

Anyone have similar issues?

Indiana Reefin · 01/20/2015, 09:39 PM

Sounds like your pinwheel is out of place. You probably need to take apart eh pump and clean it. Sometimes debris gets lodged inbetween the foot and rod that goes through the pinwheel assembly.
How long has it been since you cleaned the pump?

Another thing to try is taking the airline and blowing into it. This helps prime the skimmer pump.
Let me know if any of this helps.

Chitownpw · 01/20/2015, 10:14 PM

thanks. i've cleaned it a couple of times in the past week. i will admit, however, that i probably didn't clean it as thoroughly as I should have. i can get it to work sometimes if i bang it around, so likely is debris.

miroch · 01/21/2015, 05:35 AM

Yeah I have to put my finger over the input to get mine to start. Cleaning it does help some put not perfect. Any tips on cleaning in by the magnet? Im thinking a little brush like the ones made for cleaning baby bottles. I think after a certain period of time the magnet swells and the propeller needs to be replaced...

Indiana Reefin · 01/21/2015, 06:21 AM

I would recomend just putting some vinager in a bucket and running the pump. Take the pinwheel out and take a pipe cleaner or a rolled up paper towel.

Chitownpw · 01/21/2015, 09:54 PM

blowing down the airline/silencer worked

Indiana Reefin · 01/21/2015, 10:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chitownpw

blowing down the airline/silencer worked

I'm glad buddy! I know how frustrating this hobby can be at times. Wish you the best!

01/20/2015, 09:06 PM	#1
Chitownpw Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Chicago Posts: 218	Reef Octopus - Issues I have a Reef Octopus - pinwheel - skimmer (Reef Octopus NWB150 6” Pinwheel). I've used it for about 6 months. Lately, it hasn't been working properly. When it turns on, it doesn't always catch to create a vortex but just vibrates and rattles a little. I did a limited service on it the other day. Anyone have similar issues?

01/21/2015, 05:35 AM	#4
miroch Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: New Brunswick, Canada Posts: 93	Yeah I have to put my finger over the input to get mine to start. Cleaning it does help some put not perfect. Any tips on cleaning in by the magnet? Im thinking a little brush like the ones made for cleaning baby bottles. I think after a certain period of time the magnet swells and the propeller needs to be replaced... __________________ Current Tank Info: 72g Bow/20g sump - 75lbs Rock - 1" SB - RO NWB150 skimmer - Vinegar Dosing - Custom 54Wx4 T5 - Hippo Tang, Yellow Tang, 3 Chromis, Bi-color angel, YWG, Melanurus Wrasse, few softies

01/20/2015, 09:39 PM	#2
Indiana Reefin Garrett Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Indiana Posts: 847	Sounds like your pinwheel is out of place. You probably need to take apart eh pump and clean it. Sometimes debris gets lodged inbetween the foot and rod that goes through the pinwheel assembly. How long has it been since you cleaned the pump? Another thing to try is taking the airline and blowing into it. This helps prime the skimmer pump. Let me know if any of this helps.

01/20/2015, 10:14 PM	#3
Chitownpw Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Chicago Posts: 218	thanks. i've cleaned it a couple of times in the past week. i will admit, however, that i probably didn't clean it as thoroughly as I should have. i can get it to work sometimes if i bang it around, so likely is debris.

01/21/2015, 06:21 AM	#5
Indiana Reefin Garrett Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Indiana Posts: 847	I would recomend just putting some vinager in a bucket and running the pump. Take the pinwheel out and take a pipe cleaner or a rolled up paper towel.

01/21/2015, 09:54 PM	#6
Chitownpw Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Chicago Posts: 218	blowing down the airline/silencer worked