Octupus Skimmer

[Gatorluva9]

ANy opinions or comments on the Octupus Protein skimmer?

[Shane Hoffman]

Over priced

Sorry but that is my only comment. I would love to own one but never will unless I come across a good used one.

Yoou will find alot of differiing and some very passionate opinions. In the end when you strip all the fancy labels and names off the skimmers they are all simply an acrylic cylindrically shaped device that guides bubbles to a collection chamber. IMO the pump is what makes the skimmer. I have turned many a crappy skimmers into good ones by replacing the pump and adjusting or modifying air intake.

[eros]

I've never used one but I'm considering the new cone skimmer they have coming out. They seem to be solid performers. Shane considers them overpriced but they are probably the cheapest skimmer you're going to find that works the way a skimmer should work.

I agree you can modify skimmers and get a lot more performance out of them using different pumps and modifying intakes but that takes experience and a lot of DIY work that some people aren't up for. If you are new to the game an Octopus is a great start. I'm assuming it's for your 55? I would get either the 110 or the 150 model they have. Get the biggest skimmer you can afford/fit.

[sedor]

Originally posted by Shane Hoffman
Over priced

Octopus Skimmers are among the most affordable on the market. Anything cheaper than an Octopus generally doesn't do a whole lot of good. An Octo skimmer is a great skimmer for people who either don't have the $ for a high end skimmer, or simply because they don't need super powered skimming on their system. Although many would argue that some of the large Octo's can provide that super skimming.

That being said, if you can get something a little better, by all means go for it because there is better out there. But if your getting an Octo your getting a quality product.

[jenglish]

Octo are one of the best skimmers for the money. I really know of none cheaper that are decent. Some can be cheaply modded to be even more effective. MSX and Vertex are also good names to look into.

[scapes]

i've got an octo dnw 200 from BRS and i must say i'm pleased.

[SnowManSnow]

I've owned a recirc skimmer from them, and was somewhat happy. It was loud, and skimmed ok. That being said it was built well for what I paid for it.

I did change skimmers to a EuroReef, of about the same g/rate and WOW... BIG difference.

Overall.. good pricepoint skimmer, but MUCH MUCH better skimmers can be had for only a little bit more $$

[downhillbiker]

The new Octo Extreme skimmers are amazing. I personally haven't owned one, but have seen them working in person and they are killer. They use Sicce pumps which are some of the highest air flow pumps out there. They also have a great bubble plate design and neck design. I would get an Octo Extreme with Purple Pinwheel for the Sicce and you will be rocking it.

Definitely not overpriced. Whoever said that is crazy, or doesn't know what a real skimmer is/costs.

[DGee]

I just put a msx 250 on my 36" cube and I'm really impressed with how well its been working.

The only downside i've seen is that the pumps are kind of loud. Other that its got a great head on it and pushing out tons of stinky dark junk.

I'd recommend looking into the msx line of skimmers. If memory serves the bodies are all made my coalvue and they just put a different name on it and a different pump on some but pretty much the same as the Octo.

[PogoMonogo]

yeah, octopus came out to basically be an affordable line of skimmers modeled after much more expensive. For the money, they are very good.

[t kish]

I have been running a 150 NW for bout six months now and love it.
It pulls some nasty stuff out of the water and rarely needs adjusting.

Price was very reasonable compared to other skimmers.

Only thing I don't like about it is if the power goes out it will not restart on its own , you have to blow through the vent tube to get it going again.
Very minor problem.

Great skimmer for the money.

Tim

[Shane Hoffman]

*turns on fire hose*

Let me clarify or shall I say add to my original comment. First off when it comes to the major players in the skimmer market Octo is about the best skimmer for your dollar. That being said I stand by my original comment which stems from my general disatisfaction with the aquarium hobby and pricing in general. I actually have plenty of disposable income to throw at this hobby and it frustrates me. It has gotten to the point that it is almost impossible for someone new to the hobby to start up with the correct equipment. Its just frustrating thats all..... everyone says "well just go by used equipment". Its hard when you first enter the hobby to even know where to buy used equipment.

[mark728]

Hi I have a Octo Extreme 250 with the ATB purple pinwheels and 1st the purp/pinwheels make this skimmer a beast ,what it's pulling out of my tank has my buddy feeling let down by his $700 cone skimmer ,it skims so good I have to feed my fish 3 to 5 times a day and dose amino acids to dirty up my water so my sps keep there dark color ,click on my red house take a look at my 120g tech,I never had any algae problems from start till now 10 months later, for the money with the purp/pinwheels I feel it's hard to beat but this is only my opinion !

[rholguin]

I own a octo 200 extreme and have been real satisfied. I used the mesh mod and it really pulls out some nasty stuff.

[seapug]

I use a Octo 200 extreme as well (with the Sicce pump). I don't have the mesh mod but it rips better than skimmers that cost twice as much. Not sure what the problem is with the 150 above. Mine restarts fine after a power outage.

Definitely some of the best skimmers available for the money.

[downhillbiker]

Originally posted by Shane Hoffman
*turns on fire hose*

Let me clarify or shall I say add to my original comment. First off when it comes to the major players in the skimmer market Octo is about the best skimmer for your dollar. That being said I stand by my original comment which stems from my general disatisfaction with the aquarium hobby and pricing in general. I actually have plenty of disposable income to throw at this hobby and it frustrates me. It has gotten to the point that it is almost impossible for someone new to the hobby to start up with the correct equipment. Its just frustrating thats all..... everyone says "well just go by used equipment". Its hard when you first enter the hobby to even know where to buy used equipment.

I agree that buying used is the way to go. Trading coral and buying from people tearing down their tanks is also the way to go. You are right that you dont know about this when you first start, and you end up buying low end stuff for high end prices in most cases. Many of the LFS that I know, dont even carry quality skimmers.

I dont however feel that skimmers like the octo are overpriced. I feel that it is fair and they have to make their money. I think that some of the higher end skimmers offer little improvement and cost a whole lot more.

[Gatorluva9]

ok thank you for your opinions
and seapug, you have an amazing tank, last months tank of the month lol
WOW
and my fish store just got a shipment of octopus skimmers
the one i want to get is 169, so i think if i can find the money i will buy it

[dnsfpl]

Originally posted by scapes
i've got an octo dnw 200 from BRS and i must say i'm pleased.

using dnw 200 before changing to ap851
they are indeed the best bang for bucks skimmer

[jenglish]

What many folks don't realize when complaining about skimmer prices is the cost of the pumps. I think 9 out of every 10 people I know that build there own skimmer end up spending more on it than if they bought one!