SRO-5000INT Vs Regal 300 INT

piranhaman00 · Jan 15, 2023

Hello,

Anybody have input on deciding between these two skimmers? I am switching away from life reef for various reasons but can’t decide between these two skimmer from RO.

Tank is 400 gallons total, heavily stocked. Space is not an issue.

I have read mixed things about the Varios pumps and would prefer the bubble blaster as they last forever. However, the Regal would be quieter and better performing (or so they say).

Any input on either?

eraser2001 · Jan 15, 2023

I have a regal 300sss, that is similar than 300 INT, so far I don't have any problems, and I love the way that you can use the different level from the control or put 15 minutes or 60 minutes when I feed my corals.
I think that I did was to change the pump from Varios 6 to 8 and it helped me to get more increase my PH

piranhaman00 · Jan 15, 2023

eraser2001 said:
I have a regal 300sss, that is similar than 300 INT, so far I don't have any problems, and I love the way that you can use the different level from the control or put 15 minutes or 60 minutes when I feed my corals.
I think that I did was to change the pump from Varios 6 to 8 and it helped me to get more increase my PH

I thought the Varios 6 was the biggest skimmer pump they make? I only see the 8 as a return pump

piranhaman00 · Jan 15, 2023

My other issue is I also want a lot of air draw to keep pH up, I only have experience with the RO aqua trance pumps but they pull maybe 30% of what they list as max air draw, I test all skimmers with a rotameter.

I like my LR because it pulls a lot of air.

Scorpius · Jan 15, 2023

I've had no issues with the Varios skimmer pumps from Reef Octopus.

eraser2001 · Jan 15, 2023

piranhaman00 said:
I thought the Varios 6 was the biggest skimmer pump they make? I only see the 8 as a return pump

Yes you are right, I need to change the impeller, from 6 to 8, and it worked perfectly for me. The control and power supply us different, but body fits perfect.

piranhaman00 · Jan 15, 2023

Has anyone done tests to see what the actual air draw of these skimmer pumps are?

Manny’s Reef · Jan 15, 2023

piranhaman00 said:
Has anyone done tests to see what the actual air draw of these skimmer pumps are?

I have not. But I wanted to chime in and say that I have two varios pumps in use. One in my octo elite and the other in my mixing station. I have never EVER had a single issue with the pumps. On my skimmer, I getting enough air draw to keep my ph at 8.2 only on the second of 5 levels. I was actually considering using the varios to replace my COR when the time comes.

I will say that I absolutely love my octo skimmer. Works as advertised and I can’t emphasize how quiet it is.

piranhaman00 · Jan 15, 2023

Manny’s Reef said:
I have not. But I wanted to chime in and say that I have two varios pumps in use. One in my octo elite and the other in my mixing station. I have never EVER had a single issue with the pumps. On my skimmer, I getting enough air draw to keep my ph at 8.2 only on the second of 5 levels. I was actually considering using the varios to replace my COR when the time comes.

I will say that I absolutely love my octo skimmer. Works as advertised and I can’t emphasize how quiet it is.

Are you pulling through a scrubber or outside?

Kodski · Jan 15, 2023

I have a RO 250-EXT and can not speak enough good things about the Varios pumps. Being an external skimmer I can also attest to how silent these pumps are. Plus the added benefits of more control and a float switch are nice to haves. This skimmer has convinced me that DC skimmers are well worth the added cost.

Manny’s Reef · Jan 15, 2023

piranhaman00 said:
Are you pulling through a scrubber or outside?

Not using a scrubber nor pulling air from the outside.

piranhaman00 · Jan 18, 2023

Thanks, any other input?

Bladezz · Jun 4, 2023

I've seen some comments about the power supply failing. My power supply is hot. Is that normal?

Kodski · Jun 4, 2023

Bladezz said:
I've seen some comments about the power supply failing. My power supply is hot. Is that normal?

Under normal operation the power supply will be warm, its fine. Always make sure any power supply's or power bricks are not covered and are allowed to breath. This will ensure proper heat exchange and longer life of the power supply. When a power supply fails, It will just seem to stop working. If anything, a capacitor may blow or something like that, which might cause a small puff of smoke and a burnt electrical smell but generally nothing close to an explosion of fire or anything like that.