Varios DC 2-s skimmer pump experiences?

[Journeyman]

Hi all,
I'm considering whether upgrading to a DC skimmer pump is worthwhile.

I have a reef octopus 2000int. It's a really good skimmer. Sounds wise it's a low hum, do I don't necessarily need it quieter, but wouldn't mind.

But it's super sensitive. Sometimes it skims the perfect amount. Other times it will not pull skimmate at all and sometimes it will overflow. All at the same setting. Of course fine tuning with the gate valve is also hit and miss.

I was thinking maybe an upgrade to one of the varios DC pumps will help keep the skimmer more stable in terms of production. I have an Apex, so I can even plug it in for more fine tuning on pump speed.

I don't see any real reviews or user impressions of these pumps anywhere, so I wanted to see if anyone has any experience with them.

Is it worth it to upgrade my pump? Pros/cons? Will it help to be able to fine tune via the DC pump control vs gate valve? Any other thoughts?

 

[Bossman]

I'm not sure how much the Varios 2 pump will help you with adjustments. But I do have the RO Regal 150 INT with the varios 2. It's very quiet, almost silent. I'm using it on my Red Sea 425 XL which is 88 gallons DT.

It's been very easy to tune between the gate valve and pump speed setting. I found that for me, the setting 3 on the pump (5 speed settings) worked the best. Then just a little playing with the gate valve. I did find at first if I thought I had it right, it would be overflowing hours later. I had to be a little lighter then I would have thought on how much it was bubbling at first. For some reason, it always picked up a little later, so I tuned it as such. Once set, I haven't touched it.

Maybe that extra adjustability with the pump will make it easier for you...?

 

[Journeyman]

I'm not sure how much the Varios 2 pump will help you with adjustments. But I do have the RO Regal 150 INT with the varios 2. It's very quiet, almost silent. I'm using it on my Red Sea 425 XL which is 88 gallons DT.

It's been very easy to tune between the gate valve and pump speed setting. I found that for me, the setting 3 on the pump (5 speed settings) worked the best. Then just a little playing with the gate valve. I did find at first if I thought I had it right, it would be overflowing hours later. I had to be a little lighter then I would have thought on how much it was bubbling at first. For some reason, it always picked up a little later, so I tuned it as such. Once set, I haven't touched it.

Maybe that extra adjustability with the pump will make it easier for you...?

Thanks, for your feedback. I like the idea of a really silent controllable pump. My bubbleblaster is fairly quiet, but there is an audible hum. Would you say it's worth it to upgrade?

It's a fairly expensive upgrade for what might be minimal gain.

 

[Bossman]

Well, it's' a $200 pump. Is it worth that much for a little more controllability and less noise to you?

For me, this is my big hobby and I spend more then I even want to know on it. Just gotta keep things in perspective I guess.

 

[skyhawkn5262y]

@Journeyman, did you end up upgrading to the Varios pump? I am in the exact same situation as you and would love to know how it worked out.

For reference, see this thread I recently posted:

Question for those who are knowledgeable about skimmer design/operation

I am currently using a Reef Octopus SRO-2000INT on my 90 gallon. It's a great skimmer, the AC Bubble Blaster pumps were one of the best and most reliable skimmer pumps ever made, IMO. However, there is one giant caveat with this particular skimmer: it only works well if the water level is 6 -...

www.reef2reef.com

 

[BubbleFullOfStars]

I have a Reef Octopus Classic 110 INT, but I swapped the pump for the VarioS 2 when it was new (which requires a little adapter from CoralVue). I also have an apex, so I have the variable speed cable which allows 0 -100 adjustment.. This set up is very tunable, and when you get it right it cranks out the gunk... If I didn't have the Apex this wouldn't be nearly as good... I wanted the 4" skimmer body because this is on a Rea Sea 170, but totally wanted a DC pump.

In this situation the VarioS 2 has been awesome.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Regards,