Do I need a new skimmer ?

[espkh9]

I feel bad that I did not to alot of research before buying my 2 skimmers when I got them I figured get aname brand I.E. Coralife and their super skimmer I have the 125 and 65 for my 125 and my 65..My LFS got in some new skimmers that they raive about called Octopus i'm not sure of the maker..they do not stop talking about how sick it is...My super skimmer is not great but its OK.. and I spend around $325 on the 2 skimmers. The octopus skimmer for the 150 gallongs goes in the store for $250 but they have it this week on sale for $200...I don't see why I should get it since I can't sell my other skimmers and I can't afford to buy this one. My main question is has anyone heard of this skimmer ? Octopus..who makes it and (if this helps they said it has 2 valves) if I can sell the super skimmer which they said they might be able todo for me...should I consider this Octopus skimmer ? How much of an upgrade is this really ? any info would help.

 

[sly]

Originally Posted by Espkh9
http:///forum/post/2572354
I feel bad that I did not to alot of research before buying my 2 skimmers when I got them I figured get aname brand I.E. Coralife and their super skimmer I have the 125 and 65 for my 125 and my 65..My LFS got in some new skimmers that they raive about called Octopus i'm not sure of the maker..they do not stop talking about how sick it is...My super skimmer is not great but its OK.. and I spend around $325 on the 2 skimmers. The octopus skimmer for the 150 gallongs goes in the store for $250 but they have it this week on sale for $200...I don't see why I should get it since I can't sell my other skimmers and I can't afford to buy this one. My main question is has anyone heard of this skimmer ? Octopus..who makes it and (if this helps they said it has 2 valves) if I can sell the super skimmer which they said they might be able todo for me...should I consider this Octopus skimmer ? How much of an upgrade is this really ? any info would help.

I looked it up. It's a needle wheel venturi downdraft skimmer. Skimmers of this type are very common and several different manufacturers make them. http://www.google.com/search?q=Octop...ient=firefox-a
It doesn't look too much different from your super skimmer. Why do you think you need a better skimmer? Are you having any problems with your tank?

 

[michaeltx]

I have heard good things about the coralife skimmers but I havent owned one.
there are may different brands that are based on the same concepts air bubbles put the protein in suspension and being them to the top of the skimmer collection cup. There are some modifications to the skimmers you can do that will increase even the worse skimmer to a better one. There are high end skimmers out there but the cheaper ones do the job aswell. If you not having troubles in the tank I really wouldnt worry about it unless you just want a new skimmer LOL which happens. try to adjust the skimmate on the ones that you have and see if you can get a very dry skim going to the top you may just need a pump or impellar change to a needle impeller that will increase the air mix as well.
Mike

 

[dwhitt1981]

I've never had ether but my LFS uses Euro-reef. They live by them. I've seen a ton of them running there and they pull some nasty junk and alot of it.

 

[mr_x]

your skimmers are a bit underpowered for your tanks. coralife skimmers aren't bad skimmers though. the mistake you made was to choose a skimmer rated for exactly your tank volume. i think a good rule to go by is to choose a skimmer rated for a tank 60% larger than yours. even choosing a skimmer rated for a tank twice your size is not a mistake.
euro-reef skimmers are built well, but they do the same job as ASM skimmers do, because of the same design and same pumps.
the only difference is the guage of the plastic. i've never owned an octopus, but again- if you are going to choose one, choose one rated for a 200 to fit your 125. and use the super skimmer 125 for your 65, and sell the SS 65.

 

[espkh9]

thanks guys great advice...that seems like a good idea. the only reason i'm asking is because they go on and on about these skimmers (prob got them for a good deal lol ) they make it like it's the prized skimmer like a purple tang for a new aqaurist or black tang etc..thats why I was inquring about the octopus skimmers...my skimmers are doing fine and just need a little modifications here and there but overal doing the job. levels are intact..and i'm keeping a reef for a year with no losses really cycling well and nitrates high at 10ppm and low most of the time at 0. I also feed alot since I have a lot of corals that need to spot fed. I chose coralife because at the time it was a name brandthat I knew now i know many more.. lol I don't think I need to upgrade at this point they are doing the job...but great advice on getting 60% larger..on all equipment. I wish I knew this info a few yearsago would have saved me lots of much needed $$.