It's been a couple weeks, so I just thought I'd say that the GS1 is kicking butt. It seems to collect a lot more "solid matter" in the cup than the Octo Extreme did. When I clean the cup, I see lots of little chunks of stuff that have been removed. Maybe it's the "frothier" head of foam that helps it do that, or the lesser amount of turbulence in the body or whatever, but I think it's cool (in a disgusting way) to see chunks of crap in the collection cup along with the skimmate.
I've really not made any big adjustments to the gate valve since I originally set it up, and that amazes me as far as consistency and the fact that it really didn't seem to need to "break in" at all. At the level I've left it at, it's skimming a bit wet, and I like that. It's truly amazing that it didn't really have to break in hardly at all. Is it just acrylic that has chemicals on it from the manufacturing process that need to break down during the usual "break-in" period? Because this skimmer is PVC (I'm pretty sure) and it didn't seem to need a break-in period at all. Or maybe it's really a matter of the pump breaking in, and mine didn't need to since I just took it off the Octo Ex and put it right onto the GS1. Who knows...?
Anyway, I'm at work right now, but I'll try to get updated photos of the skimmer tonight or tomorrow. But, I just wanted to give an update and let you know that it's working like a charm and I'm extremely happy with the purchase.
-Joe
