Reef Octopus bh100 or CPR Bak-Pak 2?

[gemini9]

Bak -Pak 2

or

Reef Octopus BH100

The bak pak has some kinda Bio-Bale thing that the octopus doesn't have.. looks kinda cheap tho... The reef octopus LOOKS to be built a little better. But the bio-bale thing... that does look pretty cool. Both skimmers have pretty good reviews. I know some members here have linked me to some recommended skimmers and to be honest, I can't remember what thread they were posted in (sorry guys!) so I'm gonna start this all over again. But I want to order one of these ASAP to try and get my 160ppm nitrates under control. What are your all thoughts on the two? They are both around 130$ which is about right where my budget is. I really can't go much more expensive than that.

Tank Specs:
30 gallon long
FOWLR (for now)
No fish or CuC yet
Diatoms taking over lol
Maxijet 400 circulation pump
Marineland Penguin 350 HOB filter
standard flourescent tube light
No sump
Recent water changes have been done with RODI water from walmart

 

[gemini9]

I just realized, I have only 3 inches of clearance on the back side of my tank to the wall. Trying to find out, will these skimmers even fit?

 

[JZ199]

I've hear nothing but good about reef octopus, read tons about them and watched a lot of videos. That's def my next investment to get rid of the crap pet store one I have now.

I don't think it will fit with only 3 inches of clearance though, the YouTube videos seem like it'll stick out further

 

[DennisW]

Reef Octopus

 

[MondoBongo]

i had the double-wide version of the bakpak when i first started, it was complete junk.

they use the inlet pipes as the hangars, which spreads the bulkheads and caused all kinds of leaking issues.

in my opinion, it is WELL worth getting an overflow box an adding a sump. i did, and am 100% glad i changed my mind.

 

[Mercurio]

I have nothing but good things to say about Reef Octopus so that would be my choice.

 

[gemini9]

no votes for bak pak? lol ok. I get the point.

 

[gemini9]

Ordered thw reef octopus

 

[SeahorseKeeper]

Good choice!

 

[gemini9]

I'm going to have to move my tank further out from the wall to get it to fit tho! :beated:

 

[NanaReefer]

It's 3.25" so no it won't fit. Could hang it on the side like I did with my bh1000

 

[gemini9]

Im gonna try to move my stand out a little. I only need half an inch lol. Next water change ill remove all the live rock and extra water so I can svoot it out some