Time to upgrade my Reef Octo SRO 1000 INT?

IPT · 04/17/2018, 11:55 PM

So I have been running a SUPER REEF OCTOPUS SRO-1000INT 5” skimmer on my 50 breeder for years. Honestly, I never loved it. Maybe it's the conditions in my house but I find it freaks out and is not stable (water real low one day or week, adjust it, then it's flooding over). Runs fine for weeks, then overflows. I usually have a tough time getting in dialed in. Also the external pumps is bulky and when I have to take it out, its a pain (so I don't do that very often).

Looks like the RO 150SSS Protein Skimmer is smaller, more self contained, and draws more air. I wonder if it would be a worthy upgrade at $270 or so? Are the more modern skimmers (this one) more consistent, more efficient?

Looks like there is some love for the Bubble Magus Curve 5 In Sump Needle Wheel Protein Skimmer at under $200 - plus only 8 watts (about 1/3rd of the RO units). Should this be on my radar, or stick with what I have?

I'm getting more serious about SPS (again) and plan to use the 50 breeder with a 20L or 20H sump. This time around I plan to have more fish for more import of nutrients. Say about 8 fish give or take (is 10 pushing it?) - smaller fish, damsels and a wrasse maybe a psudochromis or something.

Thoughts, suggestions or recommendations?

joecc · 04/18/2018, 08:01 AM

I've done a lot a research and I'm about to pull the trigger on the RO Essence 130 for a 53 gallon w/29G sump

Its new and not lot of reviews but all the reviews are great. $299

IPT · 04/18/2018, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joecc

I've done a lot a research and I'm about to pull the trigger on the RO Essence 130 for a 53 gallon w/29G sump

Its new and not lot of reviews but all the reviews are great. $299

What was it that pushed you to that one? I will take a look at it.

joecc · 04/18/2018, 11:53 AM

Easy to take apart and clean. Aquatrance 1800s is a newer RO pump so replacements and parts should be available for a long time. The replacement pump is only $86, not too bad. Can be incrementally tuned to previously established setting. Supposed to be quieter than previous RO skimmers.

Go to Bulk Reef Supply, there are 4 great reviews there.

04/17/2018, 11:55 PM	#1
IPT Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Alaska Posts: 3,197	Time to upgrade my Reef Octo SRO 1000 INT? So I have been running a SUPER REEF OCTOPUS SRO-1000INT 5” skimmer on my 50 breeder for years. Honestly, I never loved it. Maybe it's the conditions in my house but I find it freaks out and is not stable (water real low one day or week, adjust it, then it's flooding over). Runs fine for weeks, then overflows. I usually have a tough time getting in dialed in. Also the external pumps is bulky and when I have to take it out, its a pain (so I don't do that very often). Looks like the RO 150SSS Protein Skimmer is smaller, more self contained, and draws more air. I wonder if it would be a worthy upgrade at $270 or so? Are the more modern skimmers (this one) more consistent, more efficient? Looks like there is some love for the Bubble Magus Curve 5 In Sump Needle Wheel Protein Skimmer at under $200 - plus only 8 watts (about 1/3rd of the RO units). Should this be on my radar, or stick with what I have? I'm getting more serious about SPS (again) and plan to use the 50 breeder with a 20L or 20H sump. This time around I plan to have more fish for more import of nutrients. Say about 8 fish give or take (is 10 pushing it?) - smaller fish, damsels and a wrasse maybe a psudochromis or something. Thoughts, suggestions or recommendations?

04/18/2018, 11:53 AM	#4
joecc Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Posts: 121	Easy to take apart and clean. Aquatrance 1800s is a newer RO pump so replacements and parts should be available for a long time. The replacement pump is only $86, not too bad. Can be incrementally tuned to previously established setting. Supposed to be quieter than previous RO skimmers. Go to Bulk Reef Supply, there are 4 great reviews there. Last edited by joecc; 04/18/2018 at 11:58 AM.

04/18/2018, 08:01 AM	#2
joecc Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Posts: 121	I've done a lot a research and I'm about to pull the trigger on the RO Essence 130 for a 53 gallon w/29G sump Its new and not lot of reviews but all the reviews are great. $299