which Reef Octopus skimmer is newer/better?

I need to decide between these 2 Reef Octopus protein skimmers. #1 has no model number, #2 is NWB-150. Both are same price at $199

1. Reef Octopus Needle Wheel Skimmer - 6 in. - up to 150 gallons


Product Features

  • Reef Octopus® 6" Pinwheel Skimmer

  • Dimensions: 12" x 8.5" x 22.13"

  • Rated up to 150 gallons.

  • Powered by 1 OTP 2000 pump at 500 gph

  • High performance venturi air injection system
Product Description

Reef Octopus Pinwheel/Needlewheel skimmers provide you with a high performance features in an easy to use package. Better foam production is provided by Hailea OTP Pumps. New pinwheel impellers provide up to 100% improved performance. 6 inch Cone-neck eases transition from bubbles into collection cup. Easy cleaning is provided by quick-release neck. Gate valve allows for easier water level adjustments. Designed for in sump use only. For tanks up to 150 gallons Dimensions: 12" x 8.5" x 22.13" Powered by one OTP 2000 (60W) pump at 500 gph




2. Reef Octopus NWB-150 Protein Skimmer




Dimensions: 12? x 8.5? x 22.13 ?
Neck Size: 3.5?Total Height: 22.13?
In-sump application only

Recommended sump water level: 6?-7.75?








Skimmer Specifications




High performance venturi air injection system
Refined hybrid (half cone) skimmer body for greater foamate stabilization & collection
Quick release o-ring sealed collection cup with drain. **
Air silencer for quiet operation
Precision water level control output valve
1 year warranty on skimmer and pump




Rated for aquariums up to:







- 150 gallon –
Light
Filtration Demand



- 110 gallon –
Medium
Filtration Demand



- 90 gallon

Heavy
Filtration Demand







Powered by:
Hailea OTP 2000 Pinwheel Pump
Wattage:
21w | Water processing:
500gph*
Air suction:









*Measurements are approximate and can vary.
** Requires 1/2 min. Clarance to remove the collection cup.




 

snakeblitz33

Well-Known Member
So a large bioload,...
For you being a new hobbyist and overstocking and overfeeding a tank, you need a lot of extra filtration. So, i recommend saving another $100 to add to your budget for the octopus diablo protein skimmer. Its for a lightly stocked 300g tank but a heavily stocked 100g tank. Perfect for your application.
New tanks dont need skimmers right off the bat. You have a little time to save up for the perfect skimmer for your tank.
 

snakeblitz33

Well-Known Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by is250sp http:///t/391888/which-reef-octopus-skimmer-is-newer-better#post_3477421
You mean I can initially have it stocked without a skimmer?
Absolutely - you don't have to have a skimmer on a tank at all unless you want to. Skimmers make your tank clean because it removes excess amounts of organic nitrate and phosphates. If you keep up with efficient water changes (as in doing them the correct way) and add some macroalgae in a fuge - you may not have to have a skimmer right away for the first six months to a year if you feed correctly and have the proper lighting. Skimmers are just another tool in the aquarist toolbox - and they are useful and have their place - but no, you do not need a skimmer initially upon startup - and sometimes you can even get away without a skimmer on a tank with proper water changes and enough macroalgae.
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by SnakeBlitz33 http:///t/391888/which-reef-octopus-skimmer-is-newer-better#post_3477422
Absolutely - you don't have to have a skimmer on a tank at all unless you want to. Skimmers make your tank clean because it removes excess amounts of organic nitrate and phosphates. If you keep up with efficient water changes (as in doing them the correct way) and add some macroalgae in a fuge - you may not have to have a skimmer right away for the first six months to a year if you feed correctly and have the proper lighting. Skimmers are just another tool in the aquarist toolbox - and they are useful and have their place - but no, you do not need a skimmer initially upon startup - and sometimes you can even get away without a skimmer on a tank with proper water changes and enough macroalgae.
So if a skimmer is not needed, then shouldn't an "ok" one like one of the 2 above surfice?
 

snakeblitz33

Well-Known Member
It depends on if you have many different ways to remove waste from your system...
Macroalgae uses nitrate and phosphate to build their tissues - and then you harvest it out of the aquarium. So, that is one way.
A benthic zone - where microdusters form in a low flow area of the sump also can reduce nitrate by feeding on leftover food particles and further breaking it down.
Deep sand beds and really deep sand beds (preferably remote) has the ability to create anaerobic zones which break down nitrate and phosphates into nitrogen gas and hydrogen sulfide.
Proper water changes - if done correctly - can provide a lot of nutrient and waste removal if done on a schedule.
Adding a protein skimmer is another way to manage waste - so, if you have other various forms of filtration and are not relying solely on just a protein skimmer and some filter floss for your entire filtration/denitrification then yes, having protein skimmer that is rated "plus one" from your tank is plenty. If not, then you need to go bigger.
By the way, your stock list MIGHT need a little work. You might want to post your dream stock list in the agressive fish forum of this website - you can get a lot more help from them about fish than you can me. :D
 

acrylic51

Active Member
Agree many ways to do things.....The biggest question will the skimmer fit your sump......Build your sump around your skimmer of choice......
 
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