Reef Octopus HOB skimmer help

Cooper32803 · Jul 1, 2012

So I am deciding what HOB skimmer I want to get for my 40g frag tank I am starting up. It is between 3 different Reef Octopus models and I am not sure which would be best.

BH-100 - The regular skimmer no bells, no whistles...
BH-100SS - The 100 with a Surface Skimmer...
BH-100T - The 100 with an integrated auto top off resevoir...

Does anyone have any experience with these? And if so what is your opinion on them? Keep in mind I am only doing a frag tank so a heavy duty skimmer with a sump etc etc shouldnt be needed. I am going to supplement the skimmer with a HOB filter from Fluval rated for 70g for mechanical, chemical and biological filtration as well.

Pappy · Jul 1, 2012

I had the ss and it worked awesome !!!

Mike D "like the beastie boys" Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Cooper32803 · Jul 1, 2012

Do you think the T would be decent for auto top off? I was leaning towards the T or the SS... just dont know much about ATO...

Pappy · Jul 1, 2012

Yeah because it would keep the level where it needs to be I assume. Can't say I have much experience with ato either though

. Then again a 40g prob won't precipitate that much so don't think top off is a big concern with smaller tanks.

Mike D "like the beastie boys" Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

caudill187 · Jul 1, 2012

I have the SS and love it. It really does what it is supposed to. I've used it on a 56 gallon and 30 breeder and its been plenty. The surface skimmer I think is helpful but you will need a pretty constant water level to use it. I don't know about the T but I'm sure you'd be happy with any of them....especially for the price !!!!

Cooper32803 · Jul 1, 2012

Ok then which would be more useful? A surface skimmer or an auto top off? This frag tank will be in the garage so evaporation is likely even though I will be using a chiller right?

Cooper32803 · Jul 2, 2012

OK so another skimmer is now added to the mix. The Reef Octopus BH1000... It is rated to 90 gallons so that is double the size of the frag tank. Thats good right? I want the water to be top quality in between water changes for SPS frags I want to get... Anyone have experience with this skimmer?