HELP with Reef Octopus sss-3000int

Coralgurl · #1 03-07-2013, 05:15 PM

That doesn't sound right at all. I will take some pics of mine toight for you and post. I've never experienced what you are having troubles with. I unplug mine for water changes, it starts up with no issues, never have to readjust.

globaldesigns · #2 03-07-2013, 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coralgurl

That doesn't sound right at all. I will take some pics of mine toight for you and post. I've never experienced what you are having troubles with. I unplug mine for water changes, it starts up with no issues, never have to readjust.

Thanks a bunch!!!

I think the pump is bad, but Jeremy @ coralvue says it can't be, that the technology in it will shut it down if not functioning optimally. He even sent a new impeller, said the magnet might have a dead spot, but this new impeller just did what the old one did.

There is foam producing right now... If this thing would just stay stable, then it would work. I think.

phi delt reefer · #3 03-07-2013, 05:25 PM

i dont have this skimmer but i had a similar "water jet" issue with mine.

Check the volute and air line. If its plugged at all the skimmer will suck in more water than its usual mix or water and air and cause the "water jet".

I found my volute was mucked up with acrylic shavings from the manufacturing processing. I had to shove a jewelers screw driver into the hole to clean up the shavings.

globaldesigns · #4 03-07-2013, 05:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phi delt reefer

i dont have this skimmer but i had a similar "water jet" issue with mine.

Check the volute and air line. If its plugged at all the skimmer will suck in more water than its usual mix or water and air and cause the "water jet".

I found my volute was mucked up with acrylic shavings from the manufacturing processing. I had to shove a jewelers screw driver into the hole to clean up the shavings.

Already thought of that, thanks though... All is clean. But as you stated, I also had to previously clean out the innner air chamber of the venturi.

KPG007 · #5 03-07-2013, 05:54 PM

I have the sss2000 model, and I had a similar issue when I first got it. I could not get the thing dialed in. First way too much skimmate, and it would over flow, I'd dial it back just a touch, then nothing, no skimmate. Everytime I'd empty the cup, I'd turn off the skimmer. After a few months of this I plugged the skimmer back in and it never started back up. I eventually got a new pump from the manufacturer and it was like night and day. The new pump was (and is) perfect. Easy to dial in, shuts down and starts up without issue, no problems. Get a new pump and your problems will be over.

globaldesigns · #6 03-07-2013, 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KPG007

I have the sss2000 model, and I had a similar issue when I first got it. I could not get the thing dialed in. First way too much skimmate, and it would over flow, I'd dial it back just a touch, then nothing, no skimmate. Everytime I'd empty the cup, I'd turn off the skimmer. After a few months of this I plugged the skimmer back in and it never started back up. I eventually got a new pump from the manufacturer and it was like night and day. The new pump was (and is) perfect. Easy to dial in, shuts down and starts up without issue, no problems. Get a new pump and your problems will be over.

Thanks for posting this, I kept telling the manufacturer that I think the pump is bad, but they are stating that the pump would shut down if it was bad. I have sent another email to ask them again. I too think this pump is flakey!!!

globaldesigns · #7 03-07-2013, 07:03 PM

Well the manufacturer has offered to test it, so I would have to ship it back to them at my cost (insured) and if they deem all is fine, they will just ship it back.

I am at my wits end here, do I spend the $$$$ on this, or call it quits and put that money towards something new? Selling this one and taking a loss also? Either way, there is a $$$$ loss, which I hate!

The manufacturer has been ok, but it has been 4 months of this, I have sent multiple pic's of performance, setup, etc... 4 months too long. Some advice, but many emails with questions, unanswered, or only answered after I keep re-asking. Thanks to you all that are offering me help now.

The LFS were I bought it, offered to test it, but again should I? The manufacturer won't give a new pump, unless it is shipped to them and they test, so this I feel would be a waste of time. The LFS do not stock the skimmer pump as a stock item, so they probably won't take on the cost of buying the replacement, nor shipping to the manufacturer.

HMMMMM... What to do? I guess I will see if lowering the sump level a bit helps the stability. There is great foam coming out of this thing after 1-2 hours, the most I have seen ever!!! But will the water level in the unit stay stable? If so, this thing could rock!!! But I really have my doubts.