How to Troubleshoot the Reef Octopus LX2000S

If you have a saltwater aquarium, you know that protein skimmers are crucial to the well-being of your tank and its inhabitants. The Reef Octopus LX2000S is a type of saltwater filtration skimmer that helps owners achieve high water quality, oxygen levels and healthy fish by filtering out organic material. When you have problems with your Reef Octopus LX2000S, it's important to know what to do to get your tank up and running as quickly as possible.

Things You'll Need

  • Vinegar
  • Clean water
  • Sponge
  • PVC piping
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Instructions

  1. Noise Problems

    • 1

      Remove the LX2000S from the tank. Attach the air hose on the back of the skimmer firmly to the silencer located just below it.

    • 2

      Remove the pump from the bottom of the skimmer and check for any obstructions. Remove obstructions from the pump with your fingers. Examine the pin wheel impeller inside the pump for broken pins. Replace the impeller if you see broken pins. Inspect the pump's shaft for breakage due to obstructions. Replace the shaft if it is broken.

    • 3

      Clean the pin wheel impeller twice a year with a soft sponge, one part vinegar and one part clean water to remove calcium buildup.

    Start-Up and Operational Problems

    • 4

      Blow into the air venturi hose located on the left side of the back of the skimmer if the skimmer will not run. If the hose is clogged with an air pocket, this will release it and allow the pump to spin.

    • 5

      Inspect the venturi air hose and pin wheel impeller inside the pump for evidence of salt buildup or calcium deposits. Clean these elements with a solution of one part vinegar to one part water to remove the deposits. Sponge off any deposits, rinse and replace in the tank. Avoid using ammonia or alcohol-based products.

    • 6

      Place your index finger on the pin wheel impeller and check to see that it is free to move and rotate on the shaft. Clean the pin wheel impeller with one part vinegar and one part water if it does not move freely.

    Skimming Problems

    • 7

      Keep the water level inside the skimmer low if it is not producing foam or the collection cup is empty of skimmed matter. Avoid raising the water level for the first two to three weeks of use, as this can flood the tank. As the foam begins to rise, your skimmer will start to produce foam and collect matter.

    • 8

      Wait for organic waste to accumulate. If you have just completed a water change, there is no organic material for the skimmer to remove.

    • 9

      Avoid placing dirty hands in the aquarium. Wash your hands before you place them in the aquarium to avoid overwhelming the skimmer by soap or oils. Even small amounts can delay the skimmer's foam production.

    • 10

      Turn off the skimmer when using chemical cleaners, algae removers or medicines. These can cause the skimmer to stop creating foam or cause your tank to overflow.

    • 11

      Replace the skimmer with a smaller one if the skimmer never produces foam. Monitor the organic activity in your aquarium. If your tank has few fish and plants and little organic waste, the skimmer will not create foam, as it has nothing to remove from the water.

    Skimmer Overflow Problems

    • 12

      Lower the water level in the sump or place your skimmer on a small stand or arrangement of PVC pipe to elevate it.

    • 13

      Cover the pump on the skimmer's bottom with at least one inch of water. Adjust the water level in the sump so that it is below the water outlet pipe.

    • 14

      Clean the air venturi and air hose of any salt deposits with one part vinegar and one part water as described above. Straighten or reroute the air hose if it is bent so that air can easily flow into the pump.