Used Octo skimmer problem

[thedraque]

I purchased a used Octo Classic 110-S skimmer and i took it apart and cleaned it all and re assembled, when i plug it in it makes huge bubbles and they dont rise up the body of the skimmer they just stay barely above the water line. Does anyone know whats wrong with it?

 

[newbie2014]

Is the air line connected???

 

[thedraque]

Is the air line connected???

Yes

 

[R. Reef]

Try to test in saltwater

 

[Uncle99]

Your air is not being chopped up in the pump?
It looks like no water pumping in that skimmer….

 

[Reef Tripp]

+1 salt water

 

[Kodski]

as said above, skimmers don't work in freshwater. Saltwater bubbles fractionate differently than freshwater.

 

[newbie2014]

Your air is not being chopped up in the pump?
It looks like no water pumping in that skimmer….

I was leaning this way also.

Yes, clean/tap water will not produce foam head; but it should at least form micro bubbles from being "chopped up".

But I'm pretty new to skimmers, so...........

 

[Kodski]

I was leaning this way also.

Yes, clean/tap water will not produce foam head; but it should at least form micro bubbles from being "chopped up".

But I'm pretty new to skimmers, so...........

This is what I mean by fractionation is different for saltwater and freshwater. Saltwater bubble will divide, or fractionate, into much much smaller bubbles. Its much more difficult to produce smaller bubbles in freshwater than saltwater. Thats why the freshwater side of the hobby doesn't use skimmers.

The skimmer is producing bubbles in freshwater so looks like there is no clogged airline. Only way to know for sure is to test in saltwater.

 

[thedraque]

as said above, skimmers don't work in freshwater. Saltwater bubbles fractionate differently than freshwater.

Thank you. You are correct. Plopped it in saltwater and it works fine. Wow i feel stupid. I was leak testing with freshwater thats why the mix up happened i didnt even think to try the skimmer in saltwater ‍

 

[Kodski]

Thank you. You are correct. Plopped it in saltwater and it works fine. Wow i feel stupid. I was leak testing with freshwater thats why the mix up happened i didnt even think to try the skimmer in saltwater ‍

glad to hear its working correctly! Don't feel stupid, its a piece of knowledge that isn't really talked about or widely known. At least you can say you learned your one thing today! :cool:

 

[rusty hannon]

I purchased a used Octo Classic 110-S skimmer and i took it apart and cleaned it all and re assembled, when i plug it in it makes huge bubbles and they dont rise up the body of the skimmer they just stay barely above the water line. Does anyone know whats wrong with it?

something. maybe inside the little teeth.?? I had an aquamax do that to me n it was little particles of carbon Took a toothbrush to it n it worked.