Skimmer advice

d_adler · Aug 15, 2017

After excessive amounts of frustration I've decided to part ways with my vertex omega 130 skimmer to upgrade to something that would be easier to tune.

Right now I'm set on getting a reef octopus but I'm wondering if I should fork over the extra $$$$ and get a regal or just stick with the classic and save a few $$.The tank is 80 gal total water volume Sps tank with medium to heavy bio load.

I'm considering either

Reef octopus classic 152 SSS $300

Vs

Reef octopus regal 150 SSS $500

I guess my main question is.... will It really benefit me that much more if I get the regal? Will it out produce the lower end classic skimmer? Or am I just paying for a fancy controller and pump?

Any input would be appreciated.

dbl · Aug 16, 2017

No personal experience with either, so let's give this a bump and see if we can get some opinions.

powdertang05 · Aug 17, 2017

I knew the guy that started PCI and used the original octopus skimmers. Octopus is a solid brand but its going to be loud. DC pumps are more efficient. I would say pick the one that pulls the most air.

d_adler · Aug 17, 2017

powdertang05 said:
I knew the guy that started PCI and used the original octopus skimmers. Octopus is a solid brand but its going to be loud. DC pumps are more efficient. I would say pick the one that pulls the most air.

So you pay $150ish more for a slightly quieter skimmer?

I wish reef octopus was a active on the forums so they would be able to give some input.

cbarlow · Aug 17, 2017

I'm still new to the game but I run a cs180 on my 125G and the thing is quite as ever. Sorry I can't be as of much help.

thewbell · Aug 17, 2017

I have the Diablo 200 I got from Coralvue for $300. Apparently the Diablo was using an older line of RO DC pumps but they are selling them on Coralvue with the Varios pumps at a healthy discount so I would check that out. Last I looked they had several sizes available. I can say that I have been thoroughly impressed with the Diablo and it looks exactly like the current Regal and the dimensions match.

d_adler · Aug 17, 2017

thewbell said:
I have the Diablo 200 I got from Coralvue for $300. Apparently the Diablo was using an older line of RO DC pumps but they are selling them on Coralvue with the Varios pumps at a healthy discount so I would check that out. Last I looked they had several sizes available. I can say that I have been thoroughly impressed with the Diablo and it looks exactly like the current Regal and the dimensions match.

Was it difficult to tune?

Xclusive Reef · Aug 17, 2017

I have the 150 int and it is quiet. If I had the money like that I would get the regal. It has the better various pump with controller. Just look at the foot print cause when I got the classic 150 int I did not and I had to upgrade my sump to fit the skimmer but not a bad thing anyways.

thewbell · Aug 17, 2017

d_adler said:
Was it difficult to tune?

Mine has been extremely easy to tune and I have hardly touched it since dialing it in.

Robert Vacchiano · Aug 17, 2017

Not sure why your having problems tuning but I have a vertex omega 150 on a150 reef tank and it produces great skimate just keep neck clean and water level at proper bight only need to let a little air in

Robert Vacchiano · Aug 17, 2017

Water level at proper height

BillyW · Aug 17, 2017

If you're gonna spend $500 have you looked at the Life Reef skimmers?

CeeGee · Aug 17, 2017

I have the elite 150SSS and it is very nice but very expensive. I think is is even more expensive now than when I bought it which is insane because it was crazy expensive then. It works very well but I don't think I would buy it at the current price.

Only downside other than price is that it is difficult to turn tuning pipe (takes two hands).

Previously ran a RLSS that worked like crazy. It worked just as good (maybe better) but the build quality wasn't as good and the waveline pumps are junk. That being said their customer support is the worst I have experienced in my entire life. I had to replace the entire skimmer with the octopus because I couldn't replace the 1 year old broken pump. I bought a crap ton of parts on the owners recommendation and none of them worked. I can't even begin to put into words how incompetent the company is.

Both skimmers annihilate any other skimmers I have used.

I can't stress enough to stay far away from RLSS however.

Friend has a aquamaxx that seems to work very well too and I have heard good things about nyos.

Saltdaddy · Aug 17, 2017

I just pick up a 150 got a great deal on it new. Will say that it is a learning curve for getting it set right. But think I might have it now. Must have a ATO and let a little air in and I found that to white pice on the pump only needs to be about three turns screwed in, just enough to keep it in place. Right now that is working for me. I have not had a skimmer that has this many ways adjusting it.

d_adler · Aug 18, 2017

Robert Vacchiano said:
Not sure why your having problems tuning but I have a vertex omega 150 on a150 reef tank and it produces great skimate just keep neck clean and water level at proper bight only need to let a little air in

I do have it tuned now and it does produce great skim mate but I'm just tired of how sensitive it is. It's a new tank so I just believed it was time for an upgrade