Skimmer problem

[schick]

I have a reef Octopus DNW 200 Skimmer and I am having a problem that one of you may be able to help with. I was having problems with "bubbles" or lack of them in the skimmer, so I took it apart and cleaned and that seemed to work. However, I went to look at it today and it is not as bad as it was but it looks to be headed in the same direction. I took the muffler off and added some distance to the tube hoping for better air and that helped a little but not what is needed. My next thought is to either modify or buy a new needle wheel.
Any thoughts??? I have never modified a wheel so would be looking for help. If you think that I should replace it, does anyone have any suggestions as to where to get one?

Thanks

Scot

[spareparts]

The air inlet hole on my DNW200 gets jammed with a crust of salt every now and then. Have you tried taking a small drill bit and reaming out the inlet?

[Funky187]

That would help if it is clogged. You really need to see how much air it is pulling. I have an air meter that you can borrow. If I remember right they pull about 23-25 scfh. If it is pulling less then there is an air restriction. Sometimes Skimmers pull more or less depending in what is going on with your tank. They can react to supplements, epoxy, or even just changing your filter sock. There are dozens of mods you can do to get more output, mesh Modding, increasing the air intake hole, or reaming out the output elbow. The first two are easy mods. Is this Skimmer running the old style needle wheel or the pinwheel?

[schick]

spareparts is the winner!!! I used a drill bit, after cleaning it off, and spun it with my fingers and the air started flowing right away. I went at it a little more and it is better than ever. I wish that I would have done it when I had it empty and all apart. Something to do next time. '

Funky, here is what is in there

http://www.aquasythe.com/Products/--Needle-Wheel-Impellersbr-for-Octopus-Water-Pumps__SP-WP-OCT-IMP.aspx

[Funky187]

That's the one you can mod easily. I was able to gain 10 scfh with a mesh modd.

[schick]

Maybe we can hook up in the next week or two and make it happen????

[Funky187]

sure, just pick up some enkmat from somewhere and some small zipties. it only takes a few minutes.

[scooter]

Where are you located Schick? I have some enkamat if your close. Scooter

[schick]

Pontiac...We have Christmas break next week so I can get or meet somewhere if interested.