Swingline77
Active Member
I picked up a Reef Octopus INT150. I still haven't used it, and can return it. I've been looking around some more and see that there are discontinued Sea Side aquatics skimmers that can be had for far less.
I went with Reef Octopus since these have consistently good reviews, other than mention of occasional premature pump failure. Even though I saw that the Sea Sides were cheaper, I stayed away for several reasons. I've heard that the Bubble Magus, of which the Sea Sides are said to be sort of clones, are more cheaply made than the Reef Octopuses (I don't know if this is true). The pump is described as a "China AC pump", which doesn't inspire much confidence. Finally, the Sea Side skimmers I'm looking at have the pump inside of the skimmer. I'd guess that this would reduce efficiency of the skimmer to some degree, but I don't know by how much. Also, I wonder if a pump inside the skimmer would be difficult to clean.
I think the RO is a great size for my purposes. The VS6 looks like it's similar in size. Some sites sell a "VS6 DC" which seems to have a DC motor, is quite a bit more expensive, and is said to be for 400 gallon systems, while this is said to be for 200 gal systems.
Does anyone have experience with these? I wouldn't mind saving some money by getting this instead of the RO, but I don't know if it's a wise move.
Thanks.
I went with Reef Octopus since these have consistently good reviews, other than mention of occasional premature pump failure. Even though I saw that the Sea Sides were cheaper, I stayed away for several reasons. I've heard that the Bubble Magus, of which the Sea Sides are said to be sort of clones, are more cheaply made than the Reef Octopuses (I don't know if this is true). The pump is described as a "China AC pump", which doesn't inspire much confidence. Finally, the Sea Side skimmers I'm looking at have the pump inside of the skimmer. I'd guess that this would reduce efficiency of the skimmer to some degree, but I don't know by how much. Also, I wonder if a pump inside the skimmer would be difficult to clean.
I think the RO is a great size for my purposes. The VS6 looks like it's similar in size. Some sites sell a "VS6 DC" which seems to have a DC motor, is quite a bit more expensive, and is said to be for 400 gallon systems, while this is said to be for 200 gal systems.
Does anyone have experience with these? I wouldn't mind saving some money by getting this instead of the RO, but I don't know if it's a wise move.
Thanks.
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