Aquamaxx vs Reef Octopus

Brandon0034 · 11/14/2015, 01:32 PM

I'm debating between the Aquamaxx ConeS CO-3 and the Reef Octopus SRO5000. I have read plenty good reviews on both skimmers but it seems a lot of trouble with the Aquamaxx pump impeller. As for the SRO5000 I haven't read bad about the pump.

I can't step up to the CO-5 due to sump space. Tank will be 225 gallon with a 55 gallon sump. Planning on live rock, mainly lps, and medium/high fish load.

Thanks in advance.

biecacka · 11/14/2015, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brandon0034

I'm debating between the Aquamaxx ConeS CO-3 and the Reef Octopus SRO5000. I have read plenty good reviews on both skimmers but it seems a lot of trouble with the Aquamaxx pump impeller. As for the SRO5000 I haven't read bad about the pump.

I can't step up to the CO-5 due to sump space. Tank will be 225 gallon with a 55 gallon sump. Planning on live rock, mainly lps, and medium/high fish load.

Thanks in advance.

Check out the SRO 3000. I have a 240 with 22 fish in it and was told the 3000 could handle it and some more fish.
Corey

Brandon0034 · 11/14/2015, 03:02 PM

I looked at the SRO3000 and it seemed like 225 would be pushing the limit. Does yours hold that size tank well? Seems like the consensus on this forum is to overate the skimmer rather than right at the capacity. I just want to make sure water will still remain crystal clear. I'd rather get the SRO5000 if it'll be more beneficial.

ndrwater · 11/14/2015, 03:09 PM

I have the SRO-5000 on my 240. LOVE it. Never any problems at all. I have 9 tangs among other fish in an SPS dominated tank. The SRO pulls TONS of gunk.

I also had an Aquamax CO-5 briefly that I won in an auction. Liked it, but not as much as the SRO.

Brandon0034 · 11/14/2015, 03:12 PM

Awesome, I'm glad to hear that. I've pretty much been set on the SRO5000 but recently all the reviews I've seen on the Aquamaxx was making me reconsider.

KingTriton1 · 11/14/2015, 03:31 PM

Ive had my SRO for 6 months now and I hate it. I can't seem to get good foam at any water level. I had an Aquamaxx-hob1 that pulled 10 times the amount of skimmate than my SRO and that was on a 29 gallon. Go with the Aquamaxx.

indyjaco · 11/14/2015, 11:33 PM

I'd get the SRO for the pump warranty alone, plus they are great.

biecacka · 11/15/2015, 05:26 PM

I don't have the SRO. I use a custom Beckett. I was just told that the 3000 would be ideal for my tank. They base it off diameter of body and the neck.

Corey

Brandon0034 · 11/15/2015, 06:01 PM

Well this seems to be love or hate for each of the skimmers. Kinda worried now with people hating one over the other rather than saying both are good.

Any other opinions?

biecacka · 11/15/2015, 07:40 PM

No I don't Brandon. Sorry man. I am considering getting rid of my Beckett skimmer and I am going through the same thing as you. Which brand and what size.

Corey

ridetheducati · 11/15/2015, 08:12 PM

Works as advertised.

Buzz1329 · 11/15/2015, 08:58 PM

I have been using the Aquamaxx ConeS CO-3 and the Reef Octopus SRO3000 alternatively on my heavily stocked 180. The SRO is head and shoulders above the Aquamaxx in performance. The Aquamaxx pump/skimmer body is a lot easier to clean than the SRO3000INt pump and skimmer body, but the SRO production of skimmate is beyond compare.

Mike

Brandon0034 · 11/15/2015, 10:27 PM

Ok appreciate all the help guys, I think the picture and final comments confirm my choice on the SRO5000. I was dead set on it in the beginning and wasn't second guessing until recently. Not setting the new tank up until summer, but was thinking of buying it soon with black friday sales coming up.
Thanks everyone as always a helpful community.

11/14/2015, 01:32 PM	#1
Brandon0034 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 107	Aquamaxx vs Reef Octopus I'm debating between the Aquamaxx ConeS CO-3 and the Reef Octopus SRO5000. I have read plenty good reviews on both skimmers but it seems a lot of trouble with the Aquamaxx pump impeller. As for the SRO5000 I haven't read bad about the pump. I can't step up to the CO-5 due to sump space. Tank will be 225 gallon with a 55 gallon sump. Planning on live rock, mainly lps, and medium/high fish load. Thanks in advance.

11/14/2015, 03:09 PM	#4
ndrwater Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: So. Cal Posts: 54	I have the SRO-5000 on my 240. LOVE it. Never any problems at all. I have 9 tangs among other fish in an SPS dominated tank. The SRO pulls TONS of gunk. I also had an Aquamax CO-5 briefly that I won in an auction. Liked it, but not as much as the SRO. __________________ 240 SPS dominated... Getting there... Current Tank Info: in process 240 SPS dominated.

11/14/2015, 11:33 PM	#7
indyjaco Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Indianapolis Posts: 726	I'd get the SRO for the pump warranty alone, plus they are great. __________________ Jacob SCA 120G RB 48 V2

11/15/2015, 08:12 PM	#11
ridetheducati 20 and Over Club Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Bowie, MD Posts: 2,968	Works as advertised. __________________ "Send more paramedics" Current Tank Info: 300g DD, SPS dominated, Apex, Tunze 6125s, ATB 1050, 400w MH, and Geo 618 Ca Reactor

11/14/2015, 03:02 PM	#3
Brandon0034 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 107	I looked at the SRO3000 and it seemed like 225 would be pushing the limit. Does yours hold that size tank well? Seems like the consensus on this forum is to overate the skimmer rather than right at the capacity. I just want to make sure water will still remain crystal clear. I'd rather get the SRO5000 if it'll be more beneficial.

11/14/2015, 03:12 PM	#5
Brandon0034 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 107	Awesome, I'm glad to hear that. I've pretty much been set on the SRO5000 but recently all the reviews I've seen on the Aquamaxx was making me reconsider.

11/14/2015, 03:31 PM	#6
KingTriton1 Moved On Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Baton Rouge, LA Posts: 642	Ive had my SRO for 6 months now and I hate it. I can't seem to get good foam at any water level. I had an Aquamaxx-hob1 that pulled 10 times the amount of skimmate than my SRO and that was on a 29 gallon. Go with the Aquamaxx.

11/15/2015, 05:26 PM	#8
biecacka Registered Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Columbus Ohio Posts: 6,361	I don't have the SRO. I use a custom Beckett. I was just told that the 3000 would be ideal for my tank. They base it off diameter of body and the neck. Corey

11/15/2015, 06:01 PM	#9
Brandon0034 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 107	Well this seems to be love or hate for each of the skimmers. Kinda worried now with people hating one over the other rather than saying both are good. Any other opinions?

11/15/2015, 07:40 PM	#10
biecacka Registered Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Columbus Ohio Posts: 6,361	No I don't Brandon. Sorry man. I am considering getting rid of my Beckett skimmer and I am going through the same thing as you. Which brand and what size. Corey

11/15/2015, 08:58 PM	#12
Buzz1329 Premium Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Staten Island Posts: 2,414	I have been using the Aquamaxx ConeS CO-3 and the Reef Octopus SRO3000 alternatively on my heavily stocked 180. The SRO is head and shoulders above the Aquamaxx in performance. The Aquamaxx pump/skimmer body is a lot easier to clean than the SRO3000INt pump and skimmer body, but the SRO production of skimmate is beyond compare. Mike

11/15/2015, 10:27 PM	#13
Brandon0034 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 107	Ok appreciate all the help guys, I think the picture and final comments confirm my choice on the SRO5000. I was dead set on it in the beginning and wasn't second guessing until recently. Not setting the new tank up until summer, but was thinking of buying it soon with black friday sales coming up. Thanks everyone as always a helpful community.