Reef Octopus NW-150

Nereaga · 11/30/2008, 04:01 PM

Needed a compact insump skimmer, so I picked this up at Aquacave for $189.99 shipped to my door. It was also under my budget of $200! I also bought some mesh from meshmod.net.

http://www.aquacave.com/reef-octopu...kimmer-749.html

I would like to hear some feedback from users of this skimmer. Anything else I can do to improve its overall performance?

Thanks addicts!

Brad

netboy · 11/30/2008, 04:30 PM

It is decent enough. There is a huge thread on how to easily mod it with mesh and bore out the intake to get more air in there. I however got tired of messing with the bastard and got a differnt skimmer.

Nereaga · 11/30/2008, 04:34 PM

I hear you! I wish I could afford the skimmer you got... But I can't....

Damn economy!

Do you have a link to that thread? I looked back but couldn't find it, plus I don't have the search....

Kieth71 · 11/30/2008, 04:52 PM

Its a pretty good skimmer.I am useing mine unmodded atm and it works well.I am thinking of mesh modding and adding a gate valve at some point.The mods which i dont have a link to are being done to a nw 200 but its pretty much the same.The only thing i dont like about it is it has to be restarted bye blowing into the venturi every time it is turned off.Other then that i dont have any complaints.

Nereaga · 11/30/2008, 04:54 PM

Thanks for the input Rockymtreefer! Good to hear some positive feedback! I figured on my 80g total volume it should do fine.

Nereaga · 12/02/2008, 09:02 PM

Lets go! 2 more days! I have sold my old skimmer and now the long 48hr wait begins. I have read good things about them in the past few days and looking forward to getting it set up.

One question: I want to do a gate valve mod on it. What size gate valve, pipe, and "t" fitting should I look for?

I want to get those tomorrow and I can't find any info on them on Aquacave, as the size I need.

Thanks!

boxer385 · 12/02/2008, 09:42 PM

i have the nw 150 i mesh mod the wheel and later i will add the gate value, well worth the $$$

jawfish1 · 12/03/2008, 04:09 PM

i've been running the NW-150 un-modded on my 60g tank (with 30g refugium) and it has worked just great. I've been running this skimmer for about a year now, without any real problems (just make sure to clean it on a regular basis

Nereaga · 12/03/2008, 05:14 PM

jawfish- How often do you clean it?

Anyone have info as to what size outlet is on the Octo? I want to get a gate valve and some parts to mod it. It will be here tomorrow and I'd like to get the gate valve on before I get it up and running

I also just received my mesh mod kit, so I'm good on that....

Thanks,

Brad

ryshark · 12/03/2008, 09:24 PM

Where did you get the mesh mod kit? I need to get one of those soon for my NW-150.

Nereaga · 12/03/2008, 09:24 PM

meshmod.net

$5 for 2- 6x6 pieces and tons of small zip ties....

Kieth71 · 12/03/2008, 09:43 PM

Thanks Nereaga ..i just ordered the mesh kit as well...did you order the gate valve bye itself or did you order a kit for that?

Nereaga · 12/03/2008, 09:57 PM

No problem Rocky! A great deal IMO...

I have not found out the size of the outlet yet.... Still looking for it online somewhere. I can't find the new model specs any where, just the older style....

I guess I will wait until I receive it to go get the gate valve....

Kieth71 · 12/03/2008, 10:05 PM

i know that marinesolutions sells a gate valve kit for this skimmer..i think its in the 30$ range.

LexSkizzle · 12/04/2008, 07:46 AM

This is a pretty good skimmer IMO. I've been running it on my 75g with 20g sump for a while now with no water issues at all and I have a heavy bioload. I did two layers of mesh, venturi mod (followed the steps of Luke's thread) on this forum, and just did the gatevalve mod last week. The PVC fittings you need to buy for this NW-150 are 1.5". You don't even have to cut anything on the skimmer for this mod; It fits snugged over the pre-existing pipe. Good luck!

Nereaga · 12/04/2008, 03:59 PM

Ok, Thanks Lex! Now I will go out and get the stuff I need.

Next question. It is in my sump running, I have the riser pipe all the way down. I know it will take some time to break in.... Should I just let it here for a week or two?

Thanks guys!

Kieth71 · 12/04/2008, 04:42 PM

Here is a pic of the water lvl i have mine at..its higher then you would think it should be..keep in mind mine is unmodded to not sure how that would affect it.

[URL=http://g.imageshack.us/img117/dscn0758ls5.jpg/1/][IMG]http://img117.imageshack.us/img117/dscn0758ls5

Nereaga · 12/04/2008, 05:02 PM

I did not mod mine yet either. Just trying to break it in right now.... I am moving in a month and will do the mesh and gate valve mods later.....

Ok I have raised it up to about where your is.... I have it breaking about half way up the collection cup. Is that about where yours is?

Nereaga · 12/04/2008, 05:13 PM

I like how quite the Octo 2000 pump is, I can't even hear it! I had a Sedra 3500 on my old Euro-Reef and it was really loud...

I also think the build is great, doesn't seem cheap or flismy. So far I am really pleased with the purchase....

Kieth71 · 12/04/2008, 05:35 PM

Mine is about 3/4 of the way up to the collection cup.

Nereaga · 12/04/2008, 06:33 PM

ok cool, thanks rocky, you the man!

I was looking at the pictures wandering how this was going to work. I like how it fills up the upper chamber with water and then you can get it going nice....

I dig it as of right now, just gotta play the waiting game now....

Nereaga · 12/05/2008, 11:24 PM

Figured I would post up some pics to follow up.

Packaging was great from Aquacave!

Assembled:

Running:

Nereaga · 12/05/2008, 11:25 PM

We will see how long it takes to break in and start sucking some scum from my tank....

benihana · 12/06/2008, 09:51 AM

nice, I picked one up, but then decided to go a different way...this has always been a great skimmer for the money!

Nereaga · 12/06/2008, 10:20 PM

Well this has been up and running since Thursday, I did not clean it, just right in the sump.... I am seeing my firrst head foam right now and it is thick as can! Yea!

I can't wait until it is running at full steam!

I have some mesh but I want to see how it performs stock before I start modding it....

11/30/2008, 04:01 PM	#1
Nereaga Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Oley, Pa 19547 Posts: 1,513	Reef Octopus NW-150 Needed a compact insump skimmer, so I picked this up at Aquacave for $189.99 shipped to my door. It was also under my budget of $200! I also bought some mesh from meshmod.net. http://www.aquacave.com/reef-octopu...kimmer-749.html I would like to hear some feedback from users of this skimmer. Anything else I can do to improve its overall performance? Thanks addicts! Brad

12/03/2008, 04:09 PM	#8
jawfish1 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Aliso Viejo, CA Posts: 48	i've been running the NW-150 un-modded on my 60g tank (with 30g refugium) and it has worked just great. I've been running this skimmer for about a year now, without any real problems (just make sure to clean it on a regular basis __________________ - Jawfish1 - Current Tank Info: 60g SPS reef tank (looking for a new 120-150)

12/04/2008, 07:46 AM	#15
LexSkizzle Registered Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: West Palm Beach Posts: 185	This is a pretty good skimmer IMO. I've been running it on my 75g with 20g sump for a while now with no water issues at all and I have a heavy bioload. I did two layers of mesh, venturi mod (followed the steps of Luke's thread) on this forum, and just did the gatevalve mod last week. The PVC fittings you need to buy for this NW-150 are 1.5". You don't even have to cut anything on the skimmer for this mod; It fits snugged over the pre-existing pipe. Good luck! __________________ Your tank looks better than you think it does.. Current Tank Info: 75g Rimless, 20g refugium, mixed reef, 2-Kessil 360x, MP40/MP10, Essence S-130, Eheim1262

12/06/2008, 09:51 AM	#24
benihana Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Prior Lake, Minnesota Posts: 1,230	nice, I picked one up, but then decided to go a different way...this has always been a great skimmer for the money! __________________ Currently tankless, but have a few things in the works

11/30/2008, 04:30 PM	#2
netboy Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Bakersfield, CA Posts: 304	It is decent enough. There is a huge thread on how to easily mod it with mesh and bore out the intake to get more air in there. I however got tired of messing with the bastard and got a differnt skimmer.

11/30/2008, 04:34 PM	#3
Nereaga Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Oley, Pa 19547 Posts: 1,513	I hear you! I wish I could afford the skimmer you got... But I can't.... Damn economy! Do you have a link to that thread? I looked back but couldn't find it, plus I don't have the search....

11/30/2008, 04:52 PM	#4
Kieth71 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: colorado Posts: 1,026	Its a pretty good skimmer.I am useing mine unmodded atm and it works well.I am thinking of mesh modding and adding a gate valve at some point.The mods which i dont have a link to are being done to a nw 200 but its pretty much the same.The only thing i dont like about it is it has to be restarted bye blowing into the venturi every time it is turned off.Other then that i dont have any complaints.

11/30/2008, 04:54 PM	#5
Nereaga Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Oley, Pa 19547 Posts: 1,513	Thanks for the input Rockymtreefer! Good to hear some positive feedback! I figured on my 80g total volume it should do fine.

12/02/2008, 09:02 PM	#6
Nereaga Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Oley, Pa 19547 Posts: 1,513	Lets go! 2 more days! I have sold my old skimmer and now the long 48hr wait begins. I have read good things about them in the past few days and looking forward to getting it set up. One question: I want to do a gate valve mod on it. What size gate valve, pipe, and "t" fitting should I look for? I want to get those tomorrow and I can't find any info on them on Aquacave, as the size I need. Thanks!

12/02/2008, 09:42 PM	#7
boxer385 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: University Park, illinois Posts: 1,718	i have the nw 150 i mesh mod the wheel and later i will add the gate value, well worth the $$$

12/03/2008, 05:14 PM	#9
Nereaga Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Oley, Pa 19547 Posts: 1,513	jawfish- How often do you clean it? Anyone have info as to what size outlet is on the Octo? I want to get a gate valve and some parts to mod it. It will be here tomorrow and I'd like to get the gate valve on before I get it up and running I also just received my mesh mod kit, so I'm good on that.... Thanks, Brad

12/03/2008, 09:24 PM	#10
ryshark Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: So. Cal. Posts: 2,169	Where did you get the mesh mod kit? I need to get one of those soon for my NW-150.

12/03/2008, 09:43 PM	#12
Kieth71 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: colorado Posts: 1,026	Thanks Nereaga ..i just ordered the mesh kit as well...did you order the gate valve bye itself or did you order a kit for that?

12/03/2008, 09:57 PM	#13
Nereaga Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Oley, Pa 19547 Posts: 1,513	No problem Rocky! A great deal IMO... I have not found out the size of the outlet yet.... Still looking for it online somewhere. I can't find the new model specs any where, just the older style.... I guess I will wait until I receive it to go get the gate valve....

12/03/2008, 10:05 PM	#14
Kieth71 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: colorado Posts: 1,026	i know that marinesolutions sells a gate valve kit for this skimmer..i think its in the 30$ range.

12/04/2008, 03:59 PM	#16
Nereaga Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Oley, Pa 19547 Posts: 1,513	Ok, Thanks Lex! Now I will go out and get the stuff I need. Next question. It is in my sump running, I have the riser pipe all the way down. I know it will take some time to break in.... Should I just let it here for a week or two? Thanks guys!

12/04/2008, 04:42 PM	#17
Kieth71 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: colorado Posts: 1,026	Here is a pic of the water lvl i have mine at..its higher then you would think it should be..keep in mind mine is unmodded to not sure how that would affect it. [URL=http://g.imageshack.us/img117/dscn0758ls5.jpg/1/][IMG]http://img117.imageshack.us/img117/dscn0758ls5

12/04/2008, 05:02 PM	#18
Nereaga Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Oley, Pa 19547 Posts: 1,513	I did not mod mine yet either. Just trying to break it in right now.... I am moving in a month and will do the mesh and gate valve mods later..... Ok I have raised it up to about where your is.... I have it breaking about half way up the collection cup. Is that about where yours is?

12/04/2008, 05:13 PM	#19
Nereaga Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Oley, Pa 19547 Posts: 1,513	I like how quite the Octo 2000 pump is, I can't even hear it! I had a Sedra 3500 on my old Euro-Reef and it was really loud... I also think the build is great, doesn't seem cheap or flismy. So far I am really pleased with the purchase....

12/04/2008, 05:35 PM	#20
Kieth71 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: colorado Posts: 1,026	Mine is about 3/4 of the way up to the collection cup.

12/04/2008, 06:33 PM	#21
Nereaga Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Oley, Pa 19547 Posts: 1,513	ok cool, thanks rocky, you the man! I was looking at the pictures wandering how this was going to work. I like how it fills up the upper chamber with water and then you can get it going nice.... I dig it as of right now, just gotta play the waiting game now....

12/05/2008, 11:24 PM	#22
Nereaga Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Oley, Pa 19547 Posts: 1,513	Figured I would post up some pics to follow up. Packaging was great from Aquacave! Assembled: Running:

12/05/2008, 11:25 PM	#23
Nereaga Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Oley, Pa 19547 Posts: 1,513	We will see how long it takes to break in and start sucking some scum from my tank....

12/06/2008, 10:20 PM	#25
Nereaga Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Oley, Pa 19547 Posts: 1,513	Well this has been up and running since Thursday, I did not clean it, just right in the sump.... I am seeing my firrst head foam right now and it is thick as can! Yea! I can't wait until it is running at full steam! I have some mesh but I want to see how it performs stock before I start modding it....