Oct 18, 2014
James
wrote
Hi, I just unopened my new Reef Octopus BH 1000, I've been watching the video on the Coral Vue website and think I'm doing everything right. When I turn the Skimmer on It over flows after 10 secs both Chambers one with foam the other with water. Any suggustions?
I've taken it down and disassembled after a a wet wall and carpet a few times. I'm in the process of putting it back on, but maybe on the side just till I get this thing working correctly.
I've taken it down and disassembled after a a wet wall and carpet a few times. I'm in the process of putting it back on, but maybe on the side just till I get this thing working correctly.
Reply
10 Answers
Oct 20, 2014
Carlos
agent
wrote
How old is the tank? Is the collection cup on the skimmer all the way up?
Oct 20, 2014
James
wrote
Its 55 gal 5 weeks old. Yes I had the collection cup all the way up. It seems like its getting to much water. I filled the chamber with about 8 inches of water but then filled it up to the elbow like the guy does in the video. My water level in the tank is a little high...maybe I should lower it?
Oct 20, 2014
Carlos
agent
wrote
What type of water are you using for water changes? Did you add any type of chemical to the tank to help it get started? Bacterial startup, medication, stress remover? Any water conditioner or dechlorinator for water changes?
Oct 20, 2014
James
wrote
Yeah I got all my chemicals and water treatments checked every other day from my local aquarium store. I have 2 orange and white clown fish, a brittle star and a maroon clowfish, and a small cleanup crew of hermit crabs and two cleaner shrimp in there now. The tank appears to be running very well. Its definitley cycled.
Oct 20, 2014
James
wrote
I treat my water with a water conditioner and use a little bit of Prime. I have used treated water from the pet store though as well that they sell in a 5 gal container in a box.
Oct 20, 2014
Carlos
agent
wrote
The water conditioner and prime is what is causing the issue. They have the same reaction as adding soap to the water. If your tank is cycled, then you do not need to add that to the water anymore. When you stop adding that and remove what's already in the tank, the skimmer will stop overflowing.
You can remove what's on the tank already by running fresh activated carbon for a week or so. As the carbon removes the conditioner and prime, you will see that the skimmer will slowly not overflow.
You can remove what's on the tank already by running fresh activated carbon for a week or so. As the carbon removes the conditioner and prime, you will see that the skimmer will slowly not overflow.
Oct 20, 2014
James
wrote
Ok I'll give that a try.
I have a Penguin Filter. It came with the tank. Should I by some carbon and run it through that?
I have a Penguin Filter. It came with the tank. Should I by some carbon and run it through that?
Oct 20, 2014
Carlos
agent
wrote
Yes, carbon and water changes (water and salt only) are the only way to remove the conditioner that is already in your tank. Once you remove that, then the skimmer will stop overflowing.
Oct 25, 2014
James
wrote
Well I waited all week, let the carbon do its thing, set the skimmer back up. And now it doesnt work...
I feel a slight vibration and can hear a hum, but no water circulating. I'll take it down again and see about tightning the motor even more, though I know I had it on very tight.
If this doesnt work can we see about possibly getting this returned. I need something that works and is easy to get the results I need, this just starting get frustrating.
Thanks
I feel a slight vibration and can hear a hum, but no water circulating. I'll take it down again and see about tightning the motor even more, though I know I had it on very tight.
If this doesnt work can we see about possibly getting this returned. I need something that works and is easy to get the results I need, this just starting get frustrating.
Thanks
Oct 27, 2014
Carlos
agent
wrote
When you take it down, please take the pump apart and make sure that the impeller or its shaft are not damaged. If they are, please use the "Submit a Ticket" on the right and be sure to provide us with proof of purchase and pictures of the damaged parts so we may send you replacements.