Might get Octopus skimmer, tell me about yours please.

[HornetMech242]

SO i am thinking of getting the DNW-200 or the DDNW-250. I am hearing some things that they dont perform well out of the box and require modification from the get go, the pumps put out alot of heat and some had to get a chiller. So i would like if you can post your experience with the skimmer good and bad so that i can make a good decision on my purchase. Oh, and also put if you would buy it again or not.

Thanks,

Chris

[spreston]

I run a PCI RPS-3000, same thing as the DNW-200. I can't tell you how it performs out of the box, because within the first week I was already doing mods. However, (IMO) I can say modded it is a great skimmer. I have to empty a 1 gallon overflow jug every other day, ususally 3/4 full with green gunk.

As for the heat, I haven't noticed a difference.

Yes, I would buy again.

[N-A-S-O]

what mods did you do?

[spreston]

*Drilled out the venturi to 3/4", smoothed the intake side.
*Removed airline nipple and drilled straight through to accomodate 1/4"id RO line, airline is cut on bevel and inserted 2/3rd's of the way into the venturi.
*Sanded down and removed most of the thicker ledge in the volute.
*3 layers of PF4 w/ a top layer of gutter guard.
*Enlarged and smoothed out the discharge port.
*Replaced return plumbing w/ 1".

Sounds like a lot, but really none of it was very tough. Probably could have stopped with just the mesh and airline mod, but couldn't help myself.

[Lo0seR]

My DNW-200 was never modded and it took awhile for it to break in, but once it did I will tell you this, for the money hands down best skimmer you can get in it's class.

[HornetMech242]

I am thinking the DNW-200 would be plenty big for a 120 with about 30 gallon sump. I want to put SPS so quality is a big part of the decision. But also budget. I can swing the 250 model but do you think it is needed?

[skimmer01]

I am also looking to purchase an octopus skimmer and from what i have read they are hands down the best bang for the buck. However i was wondering how loud they are as the skimmer will have to sit in my sump which is in the living room (I have a deltec mce600 now and the only noise is from the air intake however it just doesn't produce enough skimmate) . Also which model would you suggest for a 75 gallon with a heavy bioload.

[kuyatwo]

i run a octopus skimmer un modded i get alot of stinky gunk...best skimmer i have....i have run coralife, etss, and euroreef

[chrisjet]

I run an octopus dnw200 recirc , it kicks so much a*s !! No mods done and prob wont do any. I see your an a&p so am i , if you graduate by the new year lockheed ga is hiring 1000 a&p's!

[SlowCobra]

You can buy the NW200 and recirc it yourself to save some money.

[HornetMech242]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10892391#post10892391 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by SlowCobra
You can buy the NW200 and recirc it yourself to save some money.

What pump would you use. i would be afraid i would crack the reaction chamber and be out of luck and some cash for that one and a replacement. Have you done it before?

Chris

[SlowCobra]

If you have mechanical ability it should not be very hard to do for you. http://www.asmskimmer.com/modifications.htm will give you a look at what needs to be done. You supply it with either a T off your single return or if double returns plumb the feed with one of those. You also can use a pump that provides 1 to 11/2 times the system volume. I have all of the materials here to do it, however have been far too lazy. Mine is working excellently so I guess that doesn't help with the motivation to make a change.

For some it is worth the extra money to buy it done already. For others, we prefer to save the money and spend a little time modifying it.

[HornetMech242]

Thanks for the link SlowCobra. I think the tools like bits and taps i would have to get would off set the savings for me. I think i will just stick to getting one already set up for RC.

[HornetMech242]

Any other reviewes?