Octopus Skimmer Mods

[JLAudio]

I just got the OCTOPUS INT-PS 200 for my 54 reef
http://www.aquacave.com/octopus-ps-200-needlebr-wheel-protein-skimmer-1993.html

The thing is huge and was larger than the footprint indicated (dimensions didnt include return tube), causing me to get frustrated and try and force it in shattering my 10gallon sump. I had to get a thick rubbermaid sump. Now its in there good and seems to be producing tons of tiny bubbles.

Almost everywhere that I search octopus mentions mods that should be done, such as the gatevalve and mesh mod.

Are they necessary and if so which one did you do?

 

[ssmtcarlo]

check on RC there is a massive thread on Octopus skimmer mods. I believe they say the most important ones are porting the elbow and the venturi mod.

 

[JLAudio]

Thanks SS, theres alont of RC stuff on the web but curious if its worth it with all the mixed reviews I hear. I hear that the mesh mod's burn out the pump and really dont want to drill the venturi hole large unless I know it is necessary

 

[fernandokng]

How is it currently running without the mod?

 

[autoponicz]

just let it break in before you do anything mods to it....

 

[JLAudio]

Its running well now, but as auto said its only been a few days and just breaking in. I would definitly like to add the gate valve because the device this skimmer uses to raise the water level is bizarre and I feel like i can only get the water up to the bottom of the collection cup.

The other reason I am contemplating the venturi mod is that the airline into the pump has a very restricted flow compared to my euroreef. Beside that I think if I fix these this will be a MONSTER for the price. I dont feel mesh mod is needed because bubbles are extremely fine

 

[Solace Aquatics LLC]

JLAudio

At the least I would suggest doing the venturi mod.

I usually do this mod on all the Reef Octopus skimmers we sell, it really adds the extra bang that puts these skimmers over the top.

The gate valve will not add performance to your skimmer, but will allow you fine tune it easier.

 

[JLAudio]

Sent Pm Leo

 

[Killerdrgn]

I did the 1/4 inch venturi mod and mesh mod, now that i did it i really didn't need to do the gate valve mod at all. At fully opened the skimmer skims wet, and the water/bubble line reaches past the neck.

 

[JLAudio]

hey killer Im researching this like crazy, Im reading the words "mesh mod" and "venturi mod" a lot but im having trouble getting a detailed description.

The venturi mod I understand the concept: Basically drilling a larger hole and inserting a new larger plastic tube inorder to increase air flow. The only thoughts are about the new hole: SHould it go all the way in even in to where the initial water flow is? Because old old stops before the water flow and enters later. And should the new plastic piece be attached by pvc cement?

And im totally lost as far as mes mod goes, I just know your changing impellar with a bristlly material that makes more micro bubbles. But cant find the actual process

Any thoughts I greatly appreciate

 

[Killerdrgn]

Here's a good link to 3 of the mods you can do.
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1284642

For mesh you basically get some enkamat p4 cut out 3 circles the size of the needlesand clip the top layer of needles off and then use fishing line to tie down the 3 enkamat circles to the bottom layer of needles, must be tight.

For the 1/4 inch venturi mod i did it slightly differently than this guy. i got a 1/4 tee and burned off/ melted closed one section so it became just a 90 degree bend and glued it really close to the inside barrier of the pump. This made it really loud so i stuck a little piece of tissue in the airline so it silenced it and still had a positive effect in efficiency. So my next mod is to make a silencer in the same fashion that octopus did.

 

[JLAudio]

killer thanks sooo much, im gonna read this article and take this all in and see what im gonna do, thanks again

 

[Solace Aquatics LLC]

Sent Pm Leo

Tried to return your pm, but your box is full.

 

[JLAudio]

hey Leo, I emptied some of my box, please resend message when you get a minute, thanks!

 

[Solace Aquatics LLC]

PM sent!

 

[wayne]

hey jl how long did it take for shipping on this skimmer and please post some pict's of it in action .

 

[JLAudio]

it took like 2 days and it was here, insanely fast from aquacave. Im currently modding the venturi to increase air intake. It works fine regardless but i think this has potential to be a top notch skimmer with the cpl mods for a reasonable price. I will post tommorow