Octopus NW150 Help

rnnfox · 03/01/2007, 03:01 PM

I purchased a Octopus NW150 3 wks ago from Marine Solutions. I added the gate valve mod 2 wks ago. Problem one is I still have to blow into the airline to get it to start. I read somewhere in the forums there was a problem with some of the impellers that a simple mod would fix but the mod wasn't described very well. The second problem is I am getting almost no skimmate after 3 wks. I could tweek my seaclone to get more than this. I am wondering if there is a problem with the impeller that is affecting how well it skims. I am running it on a 75gal reef established for more than 5 yrs in a sump of 9" water depth. I have also tried using a needle valve on the air line with no change. I have sent 2 emails to there customer service in the past week and have had no response. I thought you guys might be able to help.
Thanks

mikedege · 03/01/2007, 03:08 PM

I have the NW150 , it took about 2 weeks to break in.

Also, I switched out my washer where the air input goes into the pump. If you look, the stock washer blocks the "small hole". I went to Home depot (bathroom section) and bought some different washers with a bigger inside diameter, so it didnt block that whole. And also, i didnt tighten it down as tight, so it wouldnt squeeze the washer over the whole. That made a big difference for me. Sorry, dont know about the blowing into the pump problem.

good luck, Mike

CarlC · 03/01/2007, 06:38 PM

You will need to remove the needlewheel from the pump. Carefull not to break the ceramic shaft!!!! Once you have it out you should be able to spin the needlewheel a 1/4 turn or so in each direction if you hold the magnet. If you can't move it there is likely some glue that made it way where it shouldn't have. You should be able to use a razor blade to break the glue between the magnet and nw.

To get it to make more bubble's follow what mike said. Look at the washer. It is probably slightly covering the hole. What I did was just cut the washer (1/8" cut) to make room for the hole. Next I glued the washer to the fitting making sure the cut I made was over the hole.

Another thing you can do is carefully run a drill bit down the small air intake nipple on the venturi. Some got glued really messy. Be really carefull or you will melt the plastic. Once you clear out the tube also run the bit through the hole in the venturi. Go slow to prevent any burning or cracking.

Carl

03/01/2007, 03:01 PM	#1
rnnfox Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 1	Octopus NW150 Help I purchased a Octopus NW150 3 wks ago from Marine Solutions. I added the gate valve mod 2 wks ago. Problem one is I still have to blow into the airline to get it to start. I read somewhere in the forums there was a problem with some of the impellers that a simple mod would fix but the mod wasn't described very well. The second problem is I am getting almost no skimmate after 3 wks. I could tweek my seaclone to get more than this. I am wondering if there is a problem with the impeller that is affecting how well it skims. I am running it on a 75gal reef established for more than 5 yrs in a sump of 9" water depth. I have also tried using a needle valve on the air line with no change. I have sent 2 emails to there customer service in the past week and have had no response. I thought you guys might be able to help. Thanks

03/01/2007, 03:08 PM	#2
mikedege You kidding me or what? Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: the O.C. Posts: 879	I have the NW150 , it took about 2 weeks to break in. Also, I switched out my washer where the air input goes into the pump. If you look, the stock washer blocks the "small hole". I went to Home depot (bathroom section) and bought some different washers with a bigger inside diameter, so it didnt block that whole. And also, i didnt tighten it down as tight, so it wouldnt squeeze the washer over the whole. That made a big difference for me. Sorry, dont know about the blowing into the pump problem. good luck, Mike

03/01/2007, 06:38 PM	#3
CarlC Premium Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Leesport, PA Posts: 1,099	You will need to remove the needlewheel from the pump. Carefull not to break the ceramic shaft!!!! Once you have it out you should be able to spin the needlewheel a 1/4 turn or so in each direction if you hold the magnet. If you can't move it there is likely some glue that made it way where it shouldn't have. You should be able to use a razor blade to break the glue between the magnet and nw. To get it to make more bubble's follow what mike said. Look at the washer. It is probably slightly covering the hole. What I did was just cut the washer (1/8" cut) to make room for the hole. Next I glued the washer to the fitting making sure the cut I made was over the hole. Another thing you can do is carefully run a drill bit down the small air intake nipple on the venturi. Some got glued really messy. Be really carefull or you will melt the plastic. Once you clear out the tube also run the bit through the hole in the venturi. Go slow to prevent any burning or cracking. Carl