Reef Octopus vs RedSea

[Bent17]

Hi all!

I am planning out my build for the 425 and this is my first time dipping into marine as I come from a planted tank background. I went to my LFS and he is the RedSea importer so he obviously quoted me everything red sea. Upon doing more research I cam across the Reef Octopus 150-s. Would you rather go for the RedSea or Reef Octopus 150-S? and is the 150 enough for the 425 or should it be larger?

 

[fishguy242]

hi, have not used recent RS skimmers, but have used octopus for 15-20yrs, tried and true.
just make sure if you go octo ,it will fit in RS sump.

yes 150 s is a perfect size for 112 gallon IMO.

 

[Bent17]

Thanks - from what I read Reef Octopus seems to be the most popular

 

[Bent17]

Thanks - from what I read Reef Octopus seems to be the most popular

 

[Lividfanatica]

I have a reef octopus 250-INT and my buddy has a RedSea Reefer 425 with a Red Sea skimmer (i maintain his tank). I can say the Reef Octopus is highly superior. I REALLY wanted the recirculating 250, but didn't have space.

The gate valve design, auto-shutoff switch, DC pump, all allow for really great flexibility. The only thing it is really missing is a valve to open and close the drain line (the red sea comes with this).

 

[Bent17]

I have a reef octopus 250-INT and my buddy has a RedSea Reefer 425 with a Red Sea skimmer (i maintain his tank). I can say the Reef Octopus is highly superior. I REALLY wanted the recirculating 250, but didn't have space.

The gate valve design, auto-shutoff switch, DC pump, all allow for really great flexibility. The only thing it is really missing is a valve to open and close the drain line (the red sea comes with this).

Would the RO 150 be enough for the 425 or does it need to be bigger?

 

[Lividfanatica]

I put the 250 on my 400 gallon (total volume) setup... so yea, i think the 150 is fine

 

[Bent17]

and which model would you go for? Elite?

 

[Lividfanatica]

and which model would you go for? Elite?

Personally, the Regal 150-INT would be what I would use, but if you see value in the extra $$'s that is up to you. Here is the one i am referencing: https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/regal-150int-6-internal-protein-skimmer-varios-reef-octopus.html

 

[Bent17]

Thanks for that. Hoping I have enough space as I need to fit in a reef mat, uv and possibly 2 reactors

 

[Lividfanatica]

Thanks for that. Hoping I have enough space as I need to fit in a reef mat, uv and possibly 2 reactors

If the int doesn't fit, they make a space-saving model as well. You might lose a little efficiency, but it would work. External/recirculating > INT > Space Saving (in both size and performance)

 

[Bent17]

Can someone explain to me what the difference is between Regal and Int is??

 

[Potatohead]

Can someone explain to me what the difference is between Regal and Int is??

Regal is a DC pump and a little higher quality acrylic. Personally I think a DC pump in a skimmer is not necessary.

The Classic RO's (Int or SS) are pretty hard to beat. The pumps are reliable, been around for a long time and they are not that expensive.

 

[Wasabiroot]

I love my 110ss skimmer. Easy to dial in, very easy to disassemble for cleaning, pulls a ton of gunk. Wish it was DC but, eh.

 

[Bent17]

So for a 425 the 150-s is enough? Havent bought anything but I hate starting off with something then few months down the line upgrading..

 

[Potatohead]

So for a 425 the 150-s is enough? Havent bought anything but I hate starting off with something then few months down the line upgrading..

My tank is 70g and I use the 150S. You would be ok with a 150 INT probably but if you need the space saving one I would go with the 202S myself.

 

[Bent17]

I think it needs to be space saver as I want to put the reefmat together with the reef octopus in the sump.. does anyone have the 150 int with a clarisea next to each other in a 425??

 

[Bent17]

My tank is 70g and I use the 150S. You would be ok with a 150 INT probably but if you need the space saving one I would go with the 202S myself.

So as a skimmer its exactly the same, one just has the pump external right?

 

[Bent17]

Also anyone know if the redsea skimmmer is bigger than the 150 INT??

 

[Lividfanatica]

So as a skimmer its exactly the same, one just has the pump external right?

Yes, that is correct. One point of clarification.. the 150INT and 150SSS are both DC pumps. Some of the older models are still AC if i am doing my research correctly.