Octopus Skimmer Mods - Page 24

RoscoPColtrane · 12/09/2006, 11:07 AM

jp I have a set up similar to yours with my tank overflow 1" PVC going into the skimmer chamber. The PVC is coming at a 45 degree angle and microbubbles and salt creep is awaful. I tried a filter bag but it's difficult to keep on there with the angle. It looks like you've got is mastered, what is the trick?

BigJPDC · 12/09/2006, 11:44 AM

Rosco I fought with this for so long, since day 1 to be exact. What finally fixed it was advice from an LFS here in VA. He actually took me behind the displays and into the back room to show me how he plumbed. I can't spend enough there as far as I'm concerned now.

The way it was explained to me was that reducing velocity, not volume is the key, so from the MegaFlow bulkhead is 1.25" ID hose, to reduce vibration, then a 1.25-1.5" bushing. Some 1.5" plumbing from there leads to a 1.5-2" bushing, and then the 2" 45 and elbow into the water.

The same amount comes screaming down the overflow, but beacuse the pipe keeps getting larger, it slows itself down to the point that the bubbles are harmless. At first there were bubbles, but after three days our friend the slimecoat had developed, now I don't even know it's on.

I had so many T's and socks and other contortions designed to allow bubbles to transfer away from the flow, but in reality the system was actually sucking air in through those openings. Check my tank build thread for a good laugh.

give it a shot, and let me know how it goes and please, any feedback is very welcome.
jp

hdtvguy · 12/09/2006, 01:27 PM

Got my 16" quad skimmer here are pics of it with vinegar and freshwater.

RoscoPColtrane · 12/09/2006, 01:45 PM

jp thanks for the info, very interesting. Next time I get out I'll have to get some plumbing. you did not glue the fittings did you?

Avast Marine · 12/09/2006, 01:54 PM

HD, thats freshwater?????? Daaaaaaang.......

BigJPDC · 12/09/2006, 03:03 PM

Rosco - everything is glued except the final elbow. I wasn't sure of how deep I'd submerge it until it was connected.

HD - where is that, SeaWorld? =)

jp

Bono · 12/09/2006, 03:58 PM

Where did you get that monster?

Has anyone tryed a different pump on a NW200?
The performance of mine is probably fine but I always want to see if I can get alittle more out of it.

I dremeled out the pump return pipe and opened up the air intake with a drill so far.

hdtvguy · 12/09/2006, 04:10 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by dandy7200
HD, thats freshwater?????? Daaaaaaang.......

yep

Bono,

saltwater connection (SWC)

Roland Jacques · 12/09/2006, 05:43 PM

OH Come!!! FW? Im Calling BS!! Their no way thats is FW COME ON!!!

If that is FW there is something else in thier, like soap, stresecoat...

hdtvguy · 12/09/2006, 05:49 PM

If you look at my post above. I have freshwater and vinegar running in the pic! This pic was taken within 5mins of setup.

Roland Jacques · 12/09/2006, 05:57 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by hdtvguy
Got my 16" quad skimmer here are pics of it with vinegar and freshwater.

[

Humm, your vinegar is very different than any vinegar iv ever used
i guess their must be some different kinds of vinegar.

danskim · 12/09/2006, 05:58 PM

That thing is a beast. I have skimmer envy now.

JCTewks · 12/09/2006, 09:44 PM

All you Octopus owners......

I was at marine solutions the other day and joe now has replacement pumps and collection cups in stock....finally, somewhere to get parts. I also saw some different elbows and venturi's.

He has all of the new skimmers sitting there on his shelf....those things are HUGE!!!

just thought I would let you all know

Jeff

Abengochea · 12/10/2006, 02:33 AM

I was wondering, on the gutter guard mod can u just intertwine the gutter guard within the existing impeller? I dont want to experiment too much until i get a backup but i was thinking maybe just adding a layer of the stuff might improve the pump. I was wondering if u gg guys tried it and didnt have great results and thats y u guys went with layering a couple pieces of gg

BigJPDC · 12/10/2006, 07:06 AM

Will these show up on the web site? What about replacement gaskets and o-rings as well?

thanks,
jp

Quote:

Originally posted by JCTewks
All you Octopus owners......

I was at marine solutions the other day and joe now has replacement pumps and collection cups in stock....finally, somewhere to get parts. I also saw some different elbows and venturi's.

He has all of the new skimmers sitting there on his shelf....those things are HUGE!!!

just thought I would let you all know

Jeff

Roland Jacques · 12/10/2006, 07:17 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Abengochea
I was wondering, on the gutter guard mod can u just intertwine the gutter guard within the existing impeller? I dont want to experiment too much until i get a backup but i was thinking maybe just adding a layer of the stuff might improve the pump. I was wondering if u gg guys tried it and didnt have great results and thats y u guys went with layering a couple pieces of gg

You should be able to get one layer on the 3000 otp pump. I dont know that anyone has ever tryed that, it is really a good idea.

Let us Know how that turns out. Use a flow meter if you can.

Roland Jacques · 12/10/2006, 07:33 AM

you can see from the 2 photos they fixed the plumbing
before and after

QUOTE]Originally posted by hahnmeister
hdtvguy...
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showth...72#post8717172

Looks like a monster [/QUOTE]

Hey look from this angle you can see that they fixed the small plumbing issue. That puts it way up in my book.

Abengochea · 12/10/2006, 10:44 AM

This thing works like a champ!!! I dont have a dwyer but from the sound of all tyhe air being pulled in and the amount of foam I am getting .... this thing works!!! here are some pics. I all did was put a layer of gg on the inside and one on the outer side

[IMG]

[/IMG]

[IMG]

[/IMG]

BigJPDC · 12/10/2006, 10:59 AM

are you worried about shortening the life of the motor by increasing the load on it, or is the added weight and friction negligable? It might be interesting to hook up a killawatt before and after the mod.

jp

RichConley · 12/10/2006, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by BigJPDC
are you worried about shortening the life of the motor by increasing the load on it, or is the added weight and friction negligable? It might be interesting to hook up a killawatt before and after the mod.

jp

THe gutterguard mod allows the pump to take so much more air that theres actually less load on the motor.

QtJenny19 · 12/10/2006, 11:34 AM

plus the gg is very light so the additional weight is negligible

BigJPDC · 12/10/2006, 12:44 PM

Wow, I had no idea. This mod seems like a no brainer, gutter guard and zip ties it is then.

jp

Abengochea · 12/10/2006, 01:47 PM

just make sure that the "catching mechanism" of the zip ties dont stick out and make the impeller get stuck

hdtvguy · 12/10/2006, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Roland Jacques
Humm, your vinegar is very different than any vinegar iv ever used
i guess their must be some different kinds of vinegar.

Well I guess you have never ran vinegar and water in a skimmer before! If you add enough vinegar in with the water you get what you see in the pics I posted.

KH971 · 12/10/2006, 03:38 PM

Abengochea....the zip ties are close to being spaced out properly but they could be more precise. When working with a motor's shaft try to balance it the best you can, you are probably losing performance of the pump. Or worse it could be wearing in there as it spins. I fix alot of my tools at work when warranties expire, electric toold are just the same as a pump,and that MOD is a great idea and I plan on doing it when my DDNW-250 gets here ...pics will follow.

12/09/2006, 11:44 AM	#577
BigJPDC Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 959	Rosco I fought with this for so long, since day 1 to be exact. What finally fixed it was advice from an LFS here in VA. He actually took me behind the displays and into the back room to show me how he plumbed. I can't spend enough there as far as I'm concerned now. The way it was explained to me was that reducing velocity, not volume is the key, so from the MegaFlow bulkhead is 1.25" ID hose, to reduce vibration, then a 1.25-1.5" bushing. Some 1.5" plumbing from there leads to a 1.5-2" bushing, and then the 2" 45 and elbow into the water. The same amount comes screaming down the overflow, but beacuse the pipe keeps getting larger, it slows itself down to the point that the bubbles are harmless. At first there were bubbles, but after three days our friend the slimecoat had developed, now I don't even know it's on. I had so many T's and socks and other contortions designed to allow bubbles to transfer away from the flow, but in reality the system was actually sucking air in through those openings. Check my tank build thread for a good laugh. give it a shot, and let me know how it goes and please, any feedback is very welcome. jp __________________ Rock in the tank is money not in my bank. Current Tank Info: 65 RR AGA

12/09/2006, 01:54 PM	#580
Avast Marine RC Sponsor Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Northern VA Posts: 2,446	HD, thats freshwater?????? Daaaaaaang....... __________________ Dan Don't rush art, you get bad art.

12/09/2006, 03:03 PM	#581
BigJPDC Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 959	Rosco - everything is glued except the final elbow. I wasn't sure of how deep I'd submerge it until it was connected. HD - where is that, SeaWorld? =) jp __________________ Rock in the tank is money not in my bank. Current Tank Info: 65 RR AGA

12/09/2006, 03:58 PM	#582
Bono Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Lakewood Ranch Fl. Posts: 872	Where did you get that monster? Has anyone tryed a different pump on a NW200? The performance of mine is probably fine but I always want to see if I can get alittle more out of it. I dremeled out the pump return pipe and opened up the air intake with a drill so far. __________________ Living it up in Florida Current Tank Info: 210 gal, 300lbs LR, Aquamaxx Skimmer, 3x Reefbreeders LED's & T5's.

12/09/2006, 05:43 PM	#584
Roland Jacques Premium Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Atlanta GA Posts: 2,848	OH Come!!! FW? Im Calling BS!! Their no way thats is FW COME ON!!! If that is FW there is something else in thier, like soap, stresecoat... __________________ Roland

12/09/2006, 11:07 AM	#576
RoscoPColtrane Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Rochester, NY Posts: 586	jp I have a set up similar to yours with my tank overflow 1" PVC going into the skimmer chamber. The PVC is coming at a 45 degree angle and microbubbles and salt creep is awaful. I tried a filter bag but it's difficult to keep on there with the angle. It looks like you've got is mastered, what is the trick?

12/09/2006, 01:27 PM	#578
hdtvguy Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Winnipeg,Canada Posts: 1,287	Got my 16" quad skimmer here are pics of it with vinegar and freshwater.

12/09/2006, 01:45 PM	#579
RoscoPColtrane Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Rochester, NY Posts: 586	jp thanks for the info, very interesting. Next time I get out I'll have to get some plumbing. you did not glue the fittings did you?

12/09/2006, 05:49 PM	#585
hdtvguy Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Winnipeg,Canada Posts: 1,287	If you look at my post above. I have freshwater and vinegar running in the pic! This pic was taken within 5mins of setup.

12/09/2006, 05:58 PM	#587
danskim Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Ellicott City, MD Posts: 1,639	That thing is a beast. I have skimmer envy now. __________________ Dan The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever. -Jacques Cousteau

12/09/2006, 09:44 PM	#588
JCTewks Moved On Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Wilmington, Ohio Posts: 3,040	All you Octopus owners...... I was at marine solutions the other day and joe now has replacement pumps and collection cups in stock....finally, somewhere to get parts. I also saw some different elbows and venturi's. He has all of the new skimmers sitting there on his shelf....those things are HUGE!!! just thought I would let you all know Jeff

12/10/2006, 02:33 AM	#589
Abengochea Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Miami, FL Posts: 670	I was wondering, on the gutter guard mod can u just intertwine the gutter guard within the existing impeller? I dont want to experiment too much until i get a backup but i was thinking maybe just adding a layer of the stuff might improve the pump. I was wondering if u gg guys tried it and didnt have great results and thats y u guys went with layering a couple pieces of gg __________________ Armando Current Tank Info: 29 Biocube

12/10/2006, 07:33 AM	#592
Roland Jacques Premium Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Atlanta GA Posts: 2,848	you can see from the 2 photos they fixed the plumbing before and after QUOTE]Originally posted by hahnmeister hdtvguy... http://reefcentral.com/forums/showth...72#post8717172 Looks like a monster [/QUOTE] Hey look from this angle you can see that they fixed the small plumbing issue. That puts it way up in my book. __________________ Roland

12/10/2006, 10:44 AM	#593
Abengochea Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Miami, FL Posts: 670	wow!!!! This thing works like a champ!!! I dont have a dwyer but from the sound of all tyhe air being pulled in and the amount of foam I am getting .... this thing works!!! here are some pics. I all did was put a layer of gg on the inside and one on the outer side [IMG][/IMG] [IMG][/IMG] [IMG][/IMG] [IMG][/IMG] __________________ Armando Current Tank Info: 29 Biocube

12/10/2006, 10:59 AM	#594
BigJPDC Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 959	are you worried about shortening the life of the motor by increasing the load on it, or is the added weight and friction negligable? It might be interesting to hook up a killawatt before and after the mod. jp __________________ Rock in the tank is money not in my bank. Current Tank Info: 65 RR AGA

12/10/2006, 11:34 AM	#596
QtJenny19 Registered Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Miami, FL Posts: 50	plus the gg is very light so the additional weight is negligible

12/10/2006, 12:44 PM	#597
BigJPDC Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 959	Wow, I had no idea. This mod seems like a no brainer, gutter guard and zip ties it is then. jp __________________ Rock in the tank is money not in my bank. Current Tank Info: 65 RR AGA

12/10/2006, 01:47 PM	#598
Abengochea Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Miami, FL Posts: 670	just make sure that the "catching mechanism" of the zip ties dont stick out and make the impeller get stuck __________________ Armando Current Tank Info: 29 Biocube

12/10/2006, 03:38 PM	#600
KH971 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Eatonton,GA. Posts: 824	Abengochea....the zip ties are close to being spaced out properly but they could be more precise. When working with a motor's shaft try to balance it the best you can, you are probably losing performance of the pump. Or worse it could be wearing in there as it spins. I fix alot of my tools at work when warranties expire, electric toold are just the same as a pump,and that MOD is a great idea and I plan on doing it when my DDNW-250 gets here ...pics will follow.