Skimmer help

I just got the reef octopus extreme 200 i put it in the tub for a test run but the skimmer is only making large bubbles into the chamder i cant get it to make the smaller ones. What am i doing wrong

 

I'm not too familiar with that skimmer, but it should like the mechanism for making the small bubbles isn't working properly. My skimmer uses a needle wheel which is actually part of the impeller in the pump. It more or less chops the water and incorporates air from the air intake. Other skimer use a venturi valve or other similar mechanism. Check to see that everything is working properly, that it's sucking in air and the pump is running properly. Also keep in mind that new skimmers need time to break in, so it could be that too.

 

I checked the needle wheel and it is working fine . I bought this skimmer used from a local reefer

 

You should be able to adjust the overflow tube (one with the white air tube attached to it) If you raise or lower that tube it will allow more air into the chamber. You just have to lower it a little to get smaller bubbles on top. If you lower it to much you won't get skimmate in the collection cup. I am not familiar with that skimmer so I'm not sure if you can adjust the tube or not. It looks similar to mine and that's what I have to do for mine.

Hope that helps!

 

I am not sure if fresh water has anything to do with it or the water level in the tub.

 

Thats wht i was thinking

 

look i took some pics

 

They will NOT foam up the same in fresh water.