What Protein Skimmer to buy?

[katarian]

Good morning everyone

I am in market looking for a new protein skimmer for my 40gallon (DT) + 20gallon (sump) system.
I was running a SCA protein skimmer and it stopped working, so guess time to invest a new one.

I was looking at OctoReef (also known as Reef Octopus) skimmers. Especially the 110, and 150.

So which one do you guys suggest? I don't have a whole lot bio load in the tank quite yet, but that's definitely gonna change in near future.

Also, are the Classic line better than the new Super Space Saver line, or vice versa?

If you have any other suggestions, I am all ears.


Thank you in advance.

 

[Crabs McJones]

I'm currently running a 40 breeder with a 20 sump using the Reef Octopus Classic 110INT and love it. It's quiet, always pulls a good skim, and the break in period was relatively quick.

 

[katarian]

Do you think you'll be able to use it on a slightly bigger built as well? Lets say, a 75gallon DT? Not that I am thinking about upgrading anytime soon (probably not for another few years)

 

[Ruben's Reef]

Agree with Crabs, he recommend me the Reef Octopus 110 and is working great . I did a vinegar bath before installing and was skimming in two days. I also have a 40g DT and a 30g sump.

 

[katarian]

Also, the current dimension of my skimmer area in the sump is 6" by 11". But I can always remove one of the baffles and make it wider to 7.5" instead of 6"

 

[Ruben's Reef]

Do you think you'll be able to use it on a slightly bigger built as well? Lets say, a 75gallon DT? Not that I am thinking about upgrading anytime soon (probably not for another few years)

That's the reason I got this one cus I'm planning on a 75g upgrade soon.

 

[katarian]

That's the reason I got this one cus I'm planning on a 75g upgrade soon.

Okay, great! [emoji2]
I'll stick with the 110 then.

 

[Crabs McJones]

Also, the current dimension of my skimmer area in the sump is 6" by 11". But I can always remove one of the baffles and make it wider to 7.5" instead of 6"

You may have to, the size of the skimmer is 10.6x6.75x19.75
Otherwise the 110SSS would also be a good choice

 

[katarian]

Now just waiting to hear what other's have to say, and if I should get the Classic 110, or 110SSS [emoji4]

 

[Rick Krejci]

Another vote for the 110SSS...great and straightforward skimmer.

 

[katarian]

You may have to, the size of the skimmer is 10.6x6.75x19.75
Otherwise the 110SSS would also be a good choice

If needed, I will take one of the baffles off and then will have more than plenty space in there [emoji4]

 

[katarian]

Another vote for the 110SSS...great and straightforward skimmer.

So does the collection cup on it have a drain pipe? Couldn't tell from the pictures when I was looking.
Thank you [emoji4]

 

[Crabs McJones]

So does the collection cup on it have a drain pipe? Couldn't tell from the pictures when I was looking.
Thank you [emoji4]

That's the only downfall, I believe it does not. I have seen people drill a small hole, and glue in a 90 degree elbow and then attach a drain hose to that and it's worked out well for them. But thats alot of futzing around on a brand new skimmer

 

[katarian]

That's the only downfall, I believe it does not. I have seen people drill a small hole, and glue in a 90 degree elbow and then attach a drain hose to that and it's worked out well for them. But thats alot of futzing around on a brand new skimmer

Very true.
I would be paying more for a skimmer where I will have to put more work into haha

So I think I am leaning more towards the classic one then [emoji3]

I will be waiting until the evening for more responses, and then will place an order.

Have an algae bloom going on at the moment. Didn't realize the skimmer stopped making bubbles until this morning.

 

[McArcher]

You could always get a new pump for the old skimmer

 

[katarian]

You could always get a new pump for the old skimmer

I could, I have thought about it.
But it's really really old skimmer. I am the third owner of it. So at this point might as well upgrade

 

[Gungo]

Bubble Magus Curve 5 or Reef Octopus 110 INT or SS. If you have the space go with the INT model.. Will work for you

 

[katarian]

I can make the INT work
I have been debating on BM Curve 5. But I have heard that you can never get a hold of the company if you ever need to contact them

Bubble Magus Curve 5 or Reef Octopus 110 INT or SS. If you have the space go with the INT model.. Will work for you

 

[Gungo]

To be honest I took a deep investigation between the Curve 7 and the INT 150. The only advantage of the curve skimmers is you can disassemble them completely for cleaning.. the INT models you can't. RO skimmers have awesome customer service, excellent built quality and more efficient pumps which can manage more gp/h and Air-intake. Went with Reef octopus.

 

[DesertReefT4r]

I ran an older model RO NW110 on my old 40B with 20L sump and it worked well. The newer Classic NWB110 or 110SSS are good choices. If you plan to upgrade the the tank I would go with a 150. I have the 150SSS on my 75g 20L sump and it is working very well so far, only issue is the cup is hard to remove. I used a SCA 302 on the 40B and 75g for a while and it was a great skimmer at the time for the price. I paid under $120 for it new when they came out but now for the same price you can get a better quality skimmer for the same $.