Skimmers - RO or EShopps

SurfLife · Feb 2, 2018

Having a tough time deciding on skimmer. I know they are both good brands and I would do fine with either one but was hoping to get a few opinions from current owners.

https://www.saltwateraquarium.com/s-200-s-series-premier-protein-skimmer-120-260-gal-eshopps/

https://www.saltwateraquarium.com/classic-202-s-protein-skimmer-180-265-gallons-reef-octopus/

I have the room for both skimmers but do like the smaller footprint of the EShopps.

GoVols · Feb 2, 2018

Welcome to Reef 2 Reef.

Out of the two, I like Reef Octopus products but that's JMO

SurfLife · Feb 2, 2018

GoVols said:
...but that's JMO

That iss all I am asking for

Thanks

Jeepguy242 · Feb 2, 2018

i have had a reef octopus for 11 or so years.. i cleaned it about every 2 - 3 months by soaking it in a 50/50 vinegar and water in a 5 gallon bucket with it running... had to replace the pump last year with an aqua trance pump... just did the gate valve mod to it and expect to het some more good life out of it...

when this one breaks i will be buying another.... ABSOLUTLEY!!!

SurfLife · Feb 2, 2018

Jeepguy242 said:
i have had a reef octopus for 11 or so years.. i cleaned it about every 2 - 3 months by soaking it in a 50/50 vinegar and water in a 5 gallon bucket with it running... had to replace the pump last year with an aqua trance pump... just did the gate valve mod to it and expect to het some more good life out of it...

when this one breaks i will be buying another.... ABSOLUTLEY!!!

Thanks for the cleaning tips. I have also read it would not hurt to do that initially when I first get it.

GoVols · Feb 2, 2018

SurfLife said:
Thanks for the cleaning tips. I have also read it would not hurt to do that initially when I first get it.

Yeah,
Give the skimmer a vinegar bath when new.
It will get off all the oils, and break in faster.

PatW · Feb 2, 2018

I have a Super Reef Octopus. It is a nice skimmer. It is well built and well designed. Still skimmers are pretty simple... something to make bubbles, a tube, a way to control it and a cup at the top. Of your choices, I would go with the Reef Octopus because it looks familiar.

HiddenUser · Feb 2, 2018

My old system had an RO, would definitely do it again!

SurfLife · Feb 6, 2018

GoVols said:
Yeah,
Give the skimmer a vinegar bath when new.
It will get off all the oils, and break in faster.

Just to be clear, are you suggesting I simply put the parts in the vinegar for a few or assemble and run the skimmer in vinegar/water?

Jeepguy242 · Feb 6, 2018

SurfLife said:
Just to be clear, are you suggesting I simply put the parts in the vinegar for a few or assemble and run the skimmer in vinegar/water?

either... running in vinegar or just rinsing the parts in them will get all the stuff that collects on it during manufacture

that will help it break in quicker

Garbonzo · Feb 6, 2018

I'e had both RO and eshopps skimmers, and imho the RO is better made and is much easier to fine tune.

SurfLife · Feb 6, 2018

I ordered and received the RO skimmer today from saltwateraquarium.com.
THANK YOU everyone for your opinions. It made the decision easy (RO-100% vs Eshopps-0%)

SurfLife · Feb 6, 2018

Jeepguy242 said:
either... running in vinegar or just rinsing the parts in them will get all the stuff that collects on it during manufacture

that will help it break in quicker

OK, going to run it in vin/water mix for a few. Thanks

GoVols · Feb 6, 2018

SurfLife said:
OK, going to run it in vin/water mix for a few. Thanks

SurfLife,

Is your reef mature or a new setup?

Freddie

SurfLife · Feb 7, 2018

GoVols said:
SurfLife,

Is your reef mature or a new setup?

Freddie

Hey Freddie,
Tank is about a year old, so maturing I would say

I ran an HOB on my original tank and when I started this new tank last year someone convinced me to go skimmer-less. That idea does not seem to be working for me so I decided to add the skimmer.

Xandernfs · Feb 7, 2018

I'm going to echo most here, but my RO 150SSS is a beast on my reefer 250.

SurfLife · Feb 7, 2018

So, my skimmer is in and working. I ran it in vin/water for a few hours, rinsed it well and placed in sump. Within minutes I was adjusting the gate valve to control the bubbles and it has been steady since.
In the picture I am attaching you can see the 'brown' that is beginning to collect. That was about an hour after I started it.
Does everything look good and is it normal for it to be working so soon? - I'll take being lucky for a change

revhtree · Feb 7, 2018

I know you already bought it and good job! Reef Octopus skimmers are great!

GoVols · Feb 7, 2018

SurfLife said:
So, my skimmer is in and working. I ran it in vin/water for a few hours, rinsed it well and placed in sump. Within minutes I was adjusting the gate valve to control the bubbles and it has been steady since.
In the picture I am attaching you can see the 'brown' that is beginning to collect. That was about an hour after I started it.
Does everything look good and is it normal for it to be working so soon? - I'll take being lucky for a change

Looks good from here.
Little on the wet skim side, but she's still breaking in the skim coat

GoVols · Feb 7, 2018

@SurfLife

That's awesome for an hour. Can clearly see ;Wideyed the brown funk at the bottom up your collection cup.

Looks like your Reef Octopus is a winner ;Singing ;Singing ;Singing