Reef Octopus BH-100 HOB skimmer

wmmcdonald7 · 03/23/2009, 11:00 AM

Just installed my new skimmer and I am not sure of the best way to adjust it.

I have the collection cup all the way down and foam rises about half way up the foam tube but does not spill over into the collection cup. If I raise the cup assembly, foam does not even rise into the foam tube.

I've read that it may take a week for the skimmer to operate properly. If so, I still would like to hear opinions on proper adjustment.

Thanks for any suggestions.

Mac

72 gal bow front FOWLR but plan to convert to reef soon.

vid660 · 03/23/2009, 11:19 AM

The foam will only spill over when it reaches a good amount of protein matter. I would recommend starting at the half way point with the collection cup. Then move the cup up or down 1/4" - 1/2" inch every 12-24 hours and see how it performs. You will eventually find the "sweet" spot. If it fills up in a day, you have the collection cup too low. If it takes several weeks, it's too high. The water level in the tank also has a direct effect on the skimmer level, so try to keep the water level constant. Even a drop of 1/2" makes a difference.

It takes awhile for even a small adjustment to take effect. Make sure to give it 12-24 hours between adjustments.

It won't do much though until it breaks in. I'd say 2-3 weeks. Most of the microbubbles will also go away by then too.

wmmcdonald7 · 03/23/2009, 01:50 PM

Thank you very much.

That's exactly the info I was looking for.

Thanks again.

03/23/2009, 11:00 AM	#1
wmmcdonald7 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 2	Reef Octopus BH-100 HOB skimmer Just installed my new skimmer and I am not sure of the best way to adjust it. I have the collection cup all the way down and foam rises about half way up the foam tube but does not spill over into the collection cup. If I raise the cup assembly, foam does not even rise into the foam tube. I've read that it may take a week for the skimmer to operate properly. If so, I still would like to hear opinions on proper adjustment. Thanks for any suggestions. Mac 72 gal bow front FOWLR but plan to convert to reef soon.

03/23/2009, 11:19 AM	#2
vid660 Registered Member Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 466	The foam will only spill over when it reaches a good amount of protein matter. I would recommend starting at the half way point with the collection cup. Then move the cup up or down 1/4" - 1/2" inch every 12-24 hours and see how it performs. You will eventually find the "sweet" spot. If it fills up in a day, you have the collection cup too low. If it takes several weeks, it's too high. The water level in the tank also has a direct effect on the skimmer level, so try to keep the water level constant. Even a drop of 1/2" makes a difference. It takes awhile for even a small adjustment to take effect. Make sure to give it 12-24 hours between adjustments. It won't do much though until it breaks in. I'd say 2-3 weeks. Most of the microbubbles will also go away by then too.

03/23/2009, 01:50 PM	#3
wmmcdonald7 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 2	Thank you very much. That's exactly the info I was looking for. Thanks again.