Somtimes cheap is better than pricy?!

[ccCapt]

1st you need the mesh. Take the impeller out of the pump. The impeller will have 2 rows of needles. Cut off the top row. Which Octo do you have? If you have the NW200 with the OTP3000 pump, you can add 3-4 layers of mesh. Cut the mesh in a circle so it's the same diameter as the needles. Lay the cut pieces on the bottom row of needles and use either 4 tiny zip ties or fishing line to hold the mesh on the needles. What I did was held the mesh in place with the zip ties and then tied it on with fishing line, then cut off the zip ties.
The mesh will allow the pump to pull more air into the skimmer.

This is what I get in less than 2 days with my meshed Octo.

[Hornet]

ooops, NVM I see ccCapt has you covered.

[McCrary]

The mesh mod is a good thing on some of the less expensive skimmers, but it will need to be repeated as the mesh can get worn out and fall apart over time. I would really consider getting a skimmer like the MSX-200, it should be much better and will save you from having to get a better skimmer later. A good skimmer is going to go a long way to helping you succeed in this hobby and have an enjoyable experience. There are places where you can save a few bucks, but a good skimmer isn't one of them.