Which skimmer would you buy???

Opes · 09/30/2008, 09:17 PM

I am looking for a new skimmer. I will have a 90 display and either a 40 or 75gal Sump. I will eventally setup a 20 gal frag tank too. 185 gallons would be about the max water volume. I guess the water would actually be less because the Sump won't be full and rocks will displace alot of water. I am having trouble deciding on a skimmer. I would like to stay under $300 if possible. Oh yeah, this tank will have a heavy bioload eventually.

http://www.aquacave.com/octopus-extr...lvue-2200.html

http://www.aquacave.com/octopus-nw-2...immer-496.html

http://www.aquacave.com/ps-250-needl...-usa-2059.html

Which one would you choose and why? If you have any other suggestions I am all ears. Thanks!

SpSFreakFix · 09/30/2008, 09:23 PM

From what i hear the octos seem pretty good. I have an nw150 and i love it. Iv done some reading on those PSnw skimmers. I dunno what i think about those yet.

bbehring · 09/30/2008, 09:27 PM

Go with the Octo Exterme 200. I've heard nothing but good things about them! I just bought the Octo DNW 200 Recirc from AC. It's in transit, due here by Thursday! I can't wait for the Octo 250 Ext. Pro to come out, I'm gonna suck one of those up for my 215 build when they hit the street.

seagirl · 09/30/2008, 09:56 PM

MSX 200. Mine is kickin butt.

http://www.marinesolutionsinc.com/ca..._48/index.html

Heres' a big thread going on them-

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showth...readid=1468271

Todd March · 09/30/2008, 10:06 PM

+1 on the MSX 200. The meshwheels can be a little more fussy than NW's, but not much, and that little MSX 200 is a great little skimmer for under $300...!

Everyones Hero · 09/30/2008, 10:49 PM

I've been thinking about getting an Octo as well.

I'd like to get the recirc model. Can't figure out which one to get for my 55g. I know what they say they're rated to, but most companies overestimate big time.

kdblove_99 · 10/01/2008, 12:22 AM

MSX

Todd March · 10/01/2008, 12:30 AM

I just read a thread in the equipment/lighting forum, and many are complainign about when when turning off and then back on the feed pump for the recirculating Octo NW's, that many overflow dramatically before settling down...? This is a VERY bad feature for a recirculating skimmer that many install outside of the sump. My external Euro Reefs and Deltecs never overflowed, not once.

I'd check it out. Remember that the price is right on the Octo's, but that's because there is really no R&D behind these skimmers. They are a great bargain, no doubt, but balanced and every part checked out? No. That's why, really, you pay $700 and up for a skimmerâ€”for the R&D the company has put into the skimmer to make sure overflows are very isolated and rare...

Again, I'm not bashing Octosâ€”they seem marvelous for the price. But research what you are gettting into, before you buy...!

Everyones Hero · 10/01/2008, 12:46 AM

Thanks for that post. The way people have been talking about the Octos I thought they were awesome skimmers.

If that's the only issue with them & the performance is really good then it'll probably be the one I get.

mg426 · 10/01/2008, 04:33 AM

MSX 200

Opes · 10/01/2008, 09:10 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Todd March
I just read a thread in the equipment/lighting forum, and many are complainign about when when turning off and then back on the feed pump for the recirculating Octo NW's, that many overflow dramatically before settling down...? This is a VERY bad feature for a recirculating skimmer that many install outside of the sump. My external Euro Reefs and Deltecs never overflowed, not once.

I'd check it out. Remember that the price is right on the Octo's, but that's because there is really no R&D behind these skimmers. They are a great bargain, no doubt, but balanced and every part checked out? No. That's why, really, you pay $700 and up for a skimmerâ€”for the R&D the company has put into the skimmer to make sure overflows are very isolated and rare...

Again, I'm not bashing Octosâ€”they seem marvelous for the price. But research what you are gettting into, before you buy...!

I totally agree. I am not looking at a recirc though and this will be an in sump skimmer so that is not much of a concern. I think if I do go Octo I will go with the Extreme because of the Sicce pumps. I have also heard that unless you get an older NW unit with the grey cup union the newer ones aren't nearly as good.

Opes · 10/01/2008, 09:12 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by mg426
MSX 200

You and several others have said the MSX is the way to go. What if the difference between the Octo Extreme and them? They look pretty similar and both run Sicce pumps. Thanks for all the replies!

mojo~ · 10/01/2008, 09:51 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Opes
You and several others have said the MSX is the way to go. What if the difference between the Octo Extreme and them? They look pretty similar and both run Sicce pumps. Thanks for all the replies!

same skimmer

mojo~ · 10/01/2008, 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Opes
You and several others have said the MSX is the way to go. What if the difference between the Octo Extreme and them? They look pretty similar and both run Sicce pumps. Thanks for all the replies!

same skimmer

bbehring · 10/01/2008, 10:02 AM

Todd M, where's the Octo NW Ext. thread? I couldn't find it.

JRaquatics · 10/01/2008, 10:09 AM

I would go with the Octo Extreme 200. The Octo and the MSX use the same body and pump. The pin wheels and venturis are different. The MSX is just a hole drilled into the volute as the Octo has a machined venturi. The Octo also comes with a 1yr body and 1yr pump warranty. I would also look at getting the Octo from Reef Specialty as to my knowledge they are the only ones mesh modding the paddle impellers for their customers + I think they are still offering free shipping too.

http://www.reefspecialty.com/Protein..._65/index.html

n.son29 · 10/01/2008, 10:13 AM

I have had great success with Euro-reef. I love it as it skim huge amount of stuff in its collection cup

Opes · 10/01/2008, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by JRaquatics
I would go with the Octo Extreme 200. The Octo and the MSX use the same body and pump. The pin wheels and venturis are different. The MSX is just a hole drilled into the volute as the Octo has a machined venturi. The Octo also comes with a 1yr body and 1yr pump warranty. I would also look at getting the Octo from Reef Specialty as to my knowledge they are the only ones mesh modding the paddle impellers for their customers + I think they are still offering free shipping too.

http://www.reefspecialty.com/Protein..._65/index.html

Thanks! I will go that direction. I also saw on the MSX thread that people were having trouble with customer service so I will go the Octo route.

einsteins · 10/01/2008, 10:41 AM

I would take a look at the Warner Marine units...

Very impressive

eins

bbehring · 10/01/2008, 11:14 AM

The warner marine skimmers are nice and are testing out well. There are a couple threads on them on Socalireefs. They are a bit more pricey than Octo or MSX, especially the recirc models. Very well built. They are also a new sponsor here on RC.

atblj5 · 10/01/2008, 11:44 AM

Love my MSX 200

einsteins · 10/01/2008, 11:57 AM

I can tell you the WM units are impressive...I have a new AR200 with the Sedra9000HO and it is KILLER!

eins

burnah · 10/01/2008, 12:07 PM

first one, from my view it has the most modern design (diffuser plate)
and might use less power than the others...

Todd March · 10/01/2008, 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bbehring
Todd M, where's the Octo NW Ext. thread? I couldn't find it.

That thread on the overlflowing Octo skimmers would be HERE.

bbehring · 10/01/2008, 12:12 PM

Einstein, ya that one's a smoker! The sedra 9000HO is pulling crazy numbers I hear? What are you getting?

09/30/2008, 09:17 PM	#1
Opes Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Kansas City Posts: 273	Which skimmer would you buy??? I am looking for a new skimmer. I will have a 90 display and either a 40 or 75gal Sump. I will eventally setup a 20 gal frag tank too. 185 gallons would be about the max water volume. I guess the water would actually be less because the Sump won't be full and rocks will displace alot of water. I am having trouble deciding on a skimmer. I would like to stay under $300 if possible. Oh yeah, this tank will have a heavy bioload eventually. http://www.aquacave.com/octopus-extr...lvue-2200.html http://www.aquacave.com/octopus-nw-2...immer-496.html http://www.aquacave.com/ps-250-needl...-usa-2059.html Which one would you choose and why? If you have any other suggestions I am all ears. Thanks!

09/30/2008, 10:06 PM	#5
Todd March Premium Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Santa Monica, CA Posts: 3,684	+1 on the MSX 200. The meshwheels can be a little more fussy than NW's, but not much, and that little MSX 200 is a great little skimmer for under $300...! __________________ My hobby? I glue animals to rocks... Current Tank Info: Rimless Starfire 85g SPS (36" x 26" x 21"): ATI Powermodule 10 x 39W, ATB Small Cone, RK2, Vortech MP40W, 6025 Stream modded, MAG 9.5 return, Balling

10/01/2008, 12:30 AM	#8
Todd March Premium Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Santa Monica, CA Posts: 3,684	I just read a thread in the equipment/lighting forum, and many are complainign about when when turning off and then back on the feed pump for the recirculating Octo NW's, that many overflow dramatically before settling down...? This is a VERY bad feature for a recirculating skimmer that many install outside of the sump. My external Euro Reefs and Deltecs never overflowed, not once. I'd check it out. Remember that the price is right on the Octo's, but that's because there is really no R&D behind these skimmers. They are a great bargain, no doubt, but balanced and every part checked out? No. That's why, really, you pay $700 and up for a skimmerâ€”for the R&D the company has put into the skimmer to make sure overflows are very isolated and rare... Again, I'm not bashing Octosâ€”they seem marvelous for the price. But research what you are gettting into, before you buy...! __________________ My hobby? I glue animals to rocks... Current Tank Info: Rimless Starfire 85g SPS (36" x 26" x 21"): ATI Powermodule 10 x 39W, ATB Small Cone, RK2, Vortech MP40W, 6025 Stream modded, MAG 9.5 return, Balling

10/01/2008, 04:33 AM	#10
mg426 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: maryland Posts: 6,923	MSX 200 __________________ I found a way to make a small fortune running a reef tank. Start with a large fortune. Unofficial President of the SEACLONE haters club Current Tank Info: 125 mixed reef 110 lbs LR, 1x250watt XM 20K MH 2x175watt XM 20K MH on Magetics 2X96 watt actinic PC, 220 watt VHO actinic, 30 gallon refugium, closed loop system powered by Sequence Dart MSX 200 skimmer 38 gallon sump, Oceansmotions squirt

09/30/2008, 09:23 PM	#2
SpSFreakFix Registered Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Findlay, Ohio Posts: 85	From what i hear the octos seem pretty good. I have an nw150 and i love it. Iv done some reading on those PSnw skimmers. I dunno what i think about those yet.

09/30/2008, 09:27 PM	#3
bbehring Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Hemet, California Posts: 917	Go with the Octo Exterme 200. I've heard nothing but good things about them! I just bought the Octo DNW 200 Recirc from AC. It's in transit, due here by Thursday! I can't wait for the Octo 250 Ext. Pro to come out, I'm gonna suck one of those up for my 215 build when they hit the street.

09/30/2008, 09:56 PM	#4
seagirl Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 1,130	MSX 200. Mine is kickin butt. http://www.marinesolutionsinc.com/ca..._48/index.html Heres' a big thread going on them- http://reefcentral.com/forums/showth...readid=1468271

09/30/2008, 10:49 PM	#6
Everyones Hero Registered Member. Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Leonardtown, MD Posts: 1,154	I've been thinking about getting an Octo as well. I'd like to get the recirc model. Can't figure out which one to get for my 55g. I know what they say they're rated to, but most companies overestimate big time.

10/01/2008, 12:22 AM	#7
kdblove_99 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Frederick,CO Posts: 8,683	MSX

10/01/2008, 12:46 AM	#9
Everyones Hero Registered Member. Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Leonardtown, MD Posts: 1,154	Thanks for that post. The way people have been talking about the Octos I thought they were awesome skimmers. If that's the only issue with them & the performance is really good then it'll probably be the one I get.

10/01/2008, 10:02 AM	#15
bbehring Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Hemet, California Posts: 917	Todd M, where's the Octo NW Ext. thread? I couldn't find it.

10/01/2008, 10:09 AM	#16
JRaquatics Awaiting Email Confirmation Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: On RC Posts: 3,609	I would go with the Octo Extreme 200. The Octo and the MSX use the same body and pump. The pin wheels and venturis are different. The MSX is just a hole drilled into the volute as the Octo has a machined venturi. The Octo also comes with a 1yr body and 1yr pump warranty. I would also look at getting the Octo from Reef Specialty as to my knowledge they are the only ones mesh modding the paddle impellers for their customers + I think they are still offering free shipping too. http://www.reefspecialty.com/Protein..._65/index.html

10/01/2008, 10:13 AM	#17
n.son29 Moved On Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 51	I have had great success with Euro-reef. I love it as it skim huge amount of stuff in its collection cup

10/01/2008, 10:41 AM	#19
einsteins Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Davenport, IA Posts: 1,087	I would take a look at the Warner Marine units... Very impressive eins

10/01/2008, 11:14 AM	#20
bbehring Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Hemet, California Posts: 917	The warner marine skimmers are nice and are testing out well. There are a couple threads on them on Socalireefs. They are a bit more pricey than Octo or MSX, especially the recirc models. Very well built. They are also a new sponsor here on RC.

10/01/2008, 11:44 AM	#21
atblj5 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: N.H. Posts: 382	Love my MSX 200

10/01/2008, 11:57 AM	#22
einsteins Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Davenport, IA Posts: 1,087	I can tell you the WM units are impressive...I have a new AR200 with the Sedra9000HO and it is KILLER! eins

10/01/2008, 12:07 PM	#23
burnah Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: eisenstadt - austria Posts: 649	first one, from my view it has the most modern design (diffuser plate) and might use less power than the others...

10/01/2008, 12:12 PM	#25
bbehring Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Hemet, California Posts: 917	Einstein, ya that one's a smoker! The sedra 9000HO is pulling crazy numbers I hear? What are you getting?