Is there a difference when it comes to protein skimmers

[Lex_510]

Hello, I’m looking into two used protein skimmers. One is a Noyos 160, & the other is Reef Octopus elite 150 SSS they both do about the same bio load and about same in size. The Octopus 150S retails for a lot more like abt DOUBLE$ in price when new. Why so much? I hear Nyos are great but Should I get the one based on the highest retail prices. Is it true they say you get what you paid for lol, Or are they both comparable and will do the same work no extraordinary difference.

 

[Stang67]

It depends on your water volume and bio load. See which one works best for your situation.

 

[topjimmy]

The pump is probably the biggest factor, secondly how easy it is to tune and stay in tune.

 

[FUNGI]

Ohh Boy...this is gonna be a long thread as soon as the skimmer snobs find it.....LOL.
Good advice above.....

 

[Lex_510]

It depends on your water volume and bio load. See which one works best for your situation.

Both do about the same Bio load

 

[ReefStable Verified Sponsor]

In this case, the Nyos is rather for a larger tank (up to 250g) where the Reef Octopus is for up to 180g.

That said, the Reef Octopus tend to be build better (personal opinion) and you get a nice DC motor/control to help dial everything in better!

Personally, I would probably go for the Reef Octopus.

 

[lbacha]

Things to look at that impact price

1. Size of the skimmer
2. Quality of the build
3. DC controllable vs AC pump (this is a big cost factor and really impacts how loud the skimmer is)
4. Quality of the pump (this is a huge factor in price)
5. Features (some skimmers have features like neck cleaners, adjustable water height, etc)

The nice thing about skimmers is that people are always upgrading so you should be able to find a used one for a good price

 

[FUNGI]

I think the R/O is rated for 210...regardless...thats a true and tested skimmer.....
and hopefully its cheaper then what the sale for new is:

Classic 150-SSS Protein Skimmer (OPEN BOX)

Ultra-Compact Skimmer for Aquariums up to 210 Gallons Footprint: 7.3" x 9.45" | Body Diameter: 6" | Height: 20.9" Pump: Reef Octopus Aquatrance 2000s New item with open box.

store.coralvue.com

 

[Formulator]

Reef Octopus is an excellent skimmer and probably represents the gold standard for design and durability. If you found a good deal, I would highly recommend it.

 

[Lex_510]

I think the R/O is rated for 210...regardless...thats a true and tested skimmer.....
and hopefully its cheaper then what the sale for new is:

Classic 150-SSS Protein Skimmer (OPEN BOX)

Ultra-Compact Skimmer for Aquariums up to 210 Gallons Footprint: 7.3" x 9.45" | Body Diameter: 6" | Height: 20.9" Pump: Reef Octopus Aquatrance 2000s New item with open box.

store.coralvue.com

It’s the Elite version

 

[lbacha]

Here are two skimmers that are basically the same size but the one on the left is $700 msrp and the one on the right is $1750. The main difference is the Aquamaxx uses a AC pump and the build quality is lower (thinner acrylic). The Bubble king comes with a Red Dragon DC pump that is considered one of the best skimmer pumps.

Both skimmers will work fine on my 310g tank I’m in the process of setting up and I had planned on using the Aquamaxx until I got a deal I couldn’t pass up on for the Royal Exclusive Bubble King

 

[Lex_510]

Here are two skimmers that are basically the same size but the one on the left is $700 msrp and the one on the right is $1750. The main difference is the Aquamaxx uses a AC pump and the build quality is lower (thinner acrylic). The Bubble king comes with a Red Dragon DC pump that is considered one of the best skimmer pumps.

Both skimmers will work fine on my 310g tank I’m in the process of setting up and I had planned on using the Aquamaxx until I got a deal I couldn’t pass up on for the Royal Exclusive Bubble King

That’s a really sick skimmer

 

[lbacha]

Reef Octopus is an excellent skimmer and probably represents the gold standard for design and durability. If you found a good deal, I would highly recommend it.

I have a RO 110 SSS that I’ve run for years and it’s a great skimmer I’m sure the 150 is the same. Super easy to take apart and clean and easy to tune

 

[FUNGI]

It’s the Elite version

Sorry....missed that all important part.....give it a couple more months and they will be on close-out also...

 

[PharmrJohn]

Oh yeah. Quality is paramount. I've run two skimmers. A no name brand that came with the 75 I bought used and an E.T.S.S.400 that worked OK. I was a nightmare to tune. My next skimmer is gonna be RO. It's a quality product. And there are MANY quality products out there.

 

[BeanAnimal]

Ohh Boy...this is gonna be a long thread as soon as the skimmer snobs find it.....LOL.
Good advice above.....

I am the furthest thing from a "skimmer snob" there is. There is a world of difference between skimmers

Considerations
1 - foam production
2 - stability
3 - easy of maintenance
4 - quality (how long will it last before buying parts)

While there are some great inexpensive skimmers out there and some very expensive duds...

In most cases you get what you pay for, even if I think they are all way overpriced for what they are.

I have had SW tanks for over 3 decades and been around a LOT of skimmers of every size shape and style and built several, including a 6' tall monster (both NW and airstone driven). Once you use a "top of the line" skimmer, you will wonder why you spent so much time banging your head against the wall with the inferior skimmers.

I am not even going to bother with brand names, but the cheap China knock-offs do not perform like the products that inspired them.

 

[FUNGI]

I am the furthest thing from a "skimmer snob" there is. There is a world of difference between skimmers

Considerations
1 - foam production
2 - stability
3 - easy of maintenance
4 - quality (how long will it last before buying parts)

While there are some great inexpensive skimmers out there and some very expensive duds...

In most cases you get what you pay for, even if I think they are all way overpriced for what they are.

I have had SW tanks for over 3 decades and been around a LOT of skimmers of every size shape and style and built several, including a 6' tall monster (both NW and airstone driven). Once you use a "top of the line" skimmer, you will wonder why you spent so much time banging your head against the wall with the inferior skimmers.

I am not even going to bother with brand names, but the cheap China knock-offs do not perform like the products that inspired them.

These are all valid points.....I was talking about the "my skimmer is better because it has orange piping" group

 

[lbacha]

That’s a really sick skimmer

Yeah I never even considered a Royal Exclusive when I was planning this build and I’m not going cheap on anything. When BRS decided to pretty much dump them for penny’s on the dollar I figured it was time to see if the hype is real. So far the build quality alone is night and day difference over the Aquamaxx (which I also got for penny’s on the dollar thanks to BRS dumping them)

 

[CKW]

Skimmers???? Why? They are a pain in the ….. neck! Do very little for the cost and maintenance. I’ve had my setup for years without a skimmer and doing just fine!

 

[ca1ore]

Even if performance is similar, a well built skimmer will last longer. I was a big fan of the Marine Technical Concepts external models (long tenured reefers will probably remember them). My current skimmer is the MTC3000 - originally bought in 2000. I have replaced a few parts over the years, but the majority of it remains as originally bought.