Reef Octopus Classic 90 HOB Skimmer Installation

The Classic 90 HOB is like no other Reef Octopus Hang on Back skimmer. It features a hybrid conical body normally only found in more traditional in-sump skimmers.

The Classic 90 HOB is like no other Reef Octopus Hang on Back skimmer. It features a hybrid conical body normally only found in more traditional in-sump skimmers.

Watch as Jeremy from CoralVue covers how to properly assemble, install and operate the Reef Octopus Classic 90 Hang on Back protein skimmer.  Protein skimmers work by injecting numerous tiny bubbles into the water chamber where an enormous air-water interface strips protein molecules from the aquarium water and draws them upward for collection. The more micro air bubbles that reside in the reaction chamber, the more protein can be extracted. 

The Classic 90 Hang on Back Skimmer features a hybrid conical body, an adjustable wedge valve for easy tuning as well as a traditional collection cup with drain. All those features normally found with in-sump skimmers.  

The Classic 90 HOB skimmer features a hybrid body.

The Classic 90 HOB skimmer features an easy to adjust wedge valve.

The Classic 90 HOB skimmer features collection cup with drain.

It features a hybrid conical body, an adjustable wedge valve for easy tuning as well as a traditional collection cup with drain...normally ONLY found with in-sump skimmers.

The Classic 90 Hang on Back skimmer is rated for marine aquariums ranging from 60 to 130 gallons.

The Classic 90 HOB Skimmer is rated for tanks from 60 to 130 gallons.

Assembly and Installation

Here is how to properly assemble and operate your new Classic 90 Hang on Back Skimmer:

STEP 1

Locate, inspect and familiarize yourself with all components supplied with the Classic 90 HOB.

The Classic 90 HOB includes an easy-to-read assembly diagram.

STEP 2

Ensure all 3 O-rings are in place prior to installing the pump to the skimmer body. Install one of the two larger orings into the intake union found on the bottom of the skimmer.

The first large o-ring should be placed on the skimmers intake union.

Place the second of the two larger orings in the output union on the skimmer pump.

The second large o-ring is installed in the pump's output adapter.

The smaller oring gets inserted within the black nut of the venturi elbow.

The smallest of the o-rings is installed in the venturi elbow nut.

Thread the black nut of the venturi elbow to the intake of the skimmer pump.

After installing the smaller o-ring, thread the venturi elbow to the pump's volute.

STEP 3

Mount the pump with orings installed up to the skimmer body. Do not use any glues, wrenches or Teflon tape. We do suggest the use of silicone oring lubricant to preserve the orings and enhance the connection seal.

Mount the pump with orings installed up to the skimmer body. Do not use any glues, wrenches or Teflon tape.

Use of silicone oring lubricant to preserve the orings and enhance the connection seal.

STEP 4

Run the silicone airline tube into its holders at the top of the skimmer body and insert the adjustment pipe into the output tee.

Attach the airline to the venturi elbow attached to the pump and then thread the line through the holding bracket.

Insert the adjustment pipe to the output Tee.

STEP 5

Hang the skimmer over the rim of your tank and install the intake cage and output defoaming device.

Carefully mount the skimmer to the side of the tank.

An output defoaming adapter as well as an intake surface skimmer adapter are included with your skimmer.

Insert the sponges provided to the skimmers output defoaming device.

Manually insert the surface skimming device to the skimmer. Move it up or down until the top of the skimming cage is just below the water surface.

Manually insert the defoaming device to the skimmer's output.

Move the defoaming device up or down until the cage is half way submerged.

Use the two adjustable nylon screws to level the skimmer body to the side of the tank.

Use the two nylon screws on the side of the skimmer to secure and balance the skimmer to the side of the tank.

STEP 6

Manually fill the skimmer with water from the aquarium until water flows backs into the tank and check for leaks.

Manually fill the skimmer with tank water until water starts to flow back into the tank.

Be sure the output valve is in the open position and proceed to placing the collection cup onto the skimmer.

WARNING: Be sure the output valve is in the open position.

STEP 7

With the airline kinked or capped, plug in the power cord from the skimmer pump to an electrical socket. Be sure a drip loop is in place.

Kink or cap the airline so that no air is pulled in by the skimmer pump.

While holding the airline kinked, connect the pump to the wall outlet.

Continue to hold the airline closed until all trapped air has been purged and a full siphon has formed. Once you see no bubbles running in the skimmer chamber, release the airline and Install the air silencer.

Once the skimmer has been primed (all air purged from the body by holding the airline shut) install the skimmer silencer.

Break-In Period

Now that the skimmer is properly installed and running, You should allow the skimmer to break in for a minimum of 2 weeks. During this initial break-in period, water will slowly wash off all inert oils that come directly from factory handling as well as coat the inner walls of the skimmer with live bacteria. Be sure to leave the skimmer valve mostly open during this period and do not attempt to tune the skimmer, doing so too early may result in inconsistent performance and possible overflow.

Once the break-in period has passed, you can tune the skimmer to your aquarium by simply turning the output valve clock-wise until you obtain pea size bubbles at the point where the collection cup meets the skimmer body. Allow the skimmer to acclimate to the new setting for 24 hours before making further adjustments. The more you close the output valve, the more wet the collection will become.

Troubleshooting

Here are answers to some commonly asked questions regarding protein skimmers:

Why is my new skimmer is not producing any foam or not collecting any skimmate in the collection cup?

All skimmers require a break in period before any stable formation of foam will be made or collected. This process can take up to 4 weeks especially with smaller systems. When first starting your new skimmer set the water level in the skimmer low by keeping the outlet valve on the open side. Please be patient and not attempt to raise the water level in the skimmer for at least 3 weeks or you may run the risk of the skimmer overflowing and flooding the surrounding area. Make sure that your salinity is at optimal levels as the skimmer will not work in fresh water.

 

Make sure that your salinity is at optimal levels as the skimmer will not work in fresh water.

My protein skimmer is overflowing. Why is this happening?

The most common reason for skimmer overflows is caused by a Chemical Reaction. Some chemicals react with the air that the skimmer produces and causes the skimmer to over produce foamate. Chemicals known to cause skimmers to overflow are, red slime remover, medications, frag putties and coral glues, water conditioners, dechlorinators, stress coat, NEW filter socks, newly mixed salt, bacteria additives as well as other dosing medias.

In order to remove these chemicals from the water column we suggest that you do several 20% water changes over the period of a month and add a good amount of fresh activated carbon to the system and change out every week till the skimmer has returned to normal operation.

For more helpful tips and troubleshooting with skimmer overflows please visit www.coralvue.com/support

I hear my pump humming but no air or water is being produced. How do I fix it?

Drain and detach the pump from the skimmer body. Remove the impeller and inspect it for any damage or lodged debris.  Watch this video to learn how to disassemble the Aquatrance 1000S pump.  

I installed the skimmer and excessive microbubbles exiting the skimmers output. What am I doing wrong?

During the initial installation it is common for air to escape the skimmer and will dissipate as the skimmer breaks in.

Be sure to register your new skimmer at coralvue.com/register. If you have more questions about installing or running your new skimmer, please visit our support page at www.coralvue.com/support and submit a ticket.

Thank you and come back and visit us soon!