Octopus BH100f issues

I hear many people speaking only good things about Octopus skimmer but my first impression is i just spent 160 dollars on a Cr*ppy skimmer, just another made in china disappointment. anyone else have issues with this skimmer? out the box the collection cup fit loosely in the skimmer body bubble i mean lots of bubbles would slip past on all 4 sides(seeing how they would not enter the collection cup seems wasted), if it wasn't for Google assembly would of been impossible. then about 5 months in the pump would pulsate. skimate during the 5 months was a joke. my coralife SS 65 would pull more. after removing and cleaning entire skimmer then reassembly skimmer still pulsates. now i have a big really big paper weight.. well I'm done venting...

 

I used to run one on my 95g ran like a top never had a single issue. It pulled dark thick skimmate. U may have got a dud. It happens

 

its hard to get help for this skimmer, it seems like every year or so they change the setup.. the pump and even the intake sides have been changed over the years..

 

i know what your problem is.

take the motor out of the skimmer and look where the air line attaches (remove the airline) to the motor. You'll notice that little hard tube is full of Ca build up.

you can detach that bottom piece or just stand it up on it, whatever. Either way, submerge that bottom piece in vinegar/water for a few hours and then take a fork, stick a prong in and get that Ca out.

rinse it off, put it back together. Maybe, every 3 months or so or as you notice the water level in the motor compartment dropping, lower than normal.

Also, my first motor lasted about 8 months, my second motor has lasted a couple years so far... So it *might* be that, but try the maintenance above first.

It will eventually be a good skimmer. Their customer support was really helpful to me in the beginning (1 yr warranty).

I agree, it should come with directions. That was a pain.