New Skimmer (Octupus Super Reef, Vertex, or SWC) [Archive]

Dustin1300

04/28/2010, 03:37 PM

I've just recently upgraded my tank from a 55 to a 75 with about 25 gallon sump. I've not made a big upgrade because I plan on buying a new house in the next year. With this in mind I am hoping to buy a skimmer that supports my system now but will also support a 180 in the near future. Below are some of my choices but want everyones' opinions as this community is great for advice and reviews of the various products.

Criterion:

- In-Sump Skimmer
- Decently small/compact footprint (Will get dimensions later)
- Height of 25" or lower
- Sump water height is currently 9-10 inches

Current Candidates:

- Super Reef Octopus 3000 Internal Protein Skimmer (http://premiumaquatics.com/store/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=PA&Product_Code=CV-SRO-3000INT&Category_Code=oct-sr) - $399.99
- Octopus Extreme Skimmer w/pump - Model 200 (http://premiumaquatics.com/store/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=PA&Product_Code=CV-EXT-200&Category_Code=oct-ext) - $315.99
- Gen II Vertex Internal Pinwheel Skimmer 180 (http://premiumaquatics.com/store/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=PA&Product_Code=VX-IN180&Category_Code=Vertex) - $284.95 (Would be pushing it with a 180 gallon tank)
- SWC Xtreme 200 protein Skimmer (http://saltwaterconnection.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=3) - $289.99 (Footprint is pushing it....)

:furious: Let the arguments BEGIN! :furious:

joeshmo

04/28/2010, 03:54 PM

I'd go with the super reef Octopus 3000 of those choices myself if the price difference does not dissuade you. A friend of mine has that same skimmer and it produces some great foam. He has it on his 120gallon DT 40gal sump.

Dustin1300

04/28/2010, 03:56 PM

Yeah, the price is not going to scare me too much and thanks for the input. Anything over that is pushing it for me at this time. I've went ahead and chose the 3000 over the 2000 because its only a $50 difference at PA. Anything that would fit my criterion and is a well respected skimmer would be considered.

cakemanPA

04/28/2010, 04:33 PM

I ended up going with the Reef Octopus 5000sss over the 3000sss for the same reason. It has only been 5 days and it is skimming a lot of nasty goo.

jmik26

04/28/2010, 05:23 PM

I had a Vertex and switched to a SWC-160 and couldn't be happier! However it only goes up to a 150gallon with light bioload :(... Jeff

justisathomesea

04/28/2010, 05:39 PM

I have the Swc xtreme 200 on my 55 and love it, does a good job and I plan on using it once I upgrade.

Slayer311

04/28/2010, 06:40 PM

sro 3000 hands down, its the upgrade from the swc / octo 200 extremes with a more reliable and better performing pump.

Fishamatank

04/28/2010, 06:42 PM

I have the Super Reef Octo XP 2000 (cone model) on my 120 and it a seriously awesome skimmer, but it has a large foot print IMO. I think there is a compact / space saver model for another $100 or so over the regular model. I might look for something bigger for a 180 though, maybe the 3000, but definitely look at the XP line.

vitalik4eva

04/28/2010, 06:55 PM

VERTEX ALL THE WAY!!! Love these skimmers

Dustin1300

04/28/2010, 08:34 PM

Currently the vote is as follows:

- 4 for the Super Reef
- 2 for the SWC
- 1 for the Vertex

In regards to the space saver model it is over $200 more for the equally powerful skimmer. Anyone have pics of their skimmers (Preferably these) that shows how powerful these skimmers are?!?

Fishamatank

04/28/2010, 08:53 PM

Here is my SRO XP 2000 doing it's thing. I think this is 5-7 days (not sure when I cleaned it last) on a heavy bio load 120.

The entire skimmer body is filled with bubbles so small it looks like it's painted white. I have not owned a bunch of skimmers, but this blows away any I've had before.

http://i770.photobucket.com/albums/xx347/Fishamatank/th_DSC00924.jpg (http://s770.photobucket.com/albums/xx347/Fishamatank/?action=view&current=DSC00924.jpg)

extreme5450

04/29/2010, 12:29 AM

swc +1

Mounda

04/29/2010, 01:19 AM

SRO XP 2000 is your man. The SRO 3000 might be too big for your setup and wouldn't have proper foam build up on a small tank since it's rated at 300g.

The XP2000 footprint is small than the SRO 3000 so if you can get the 3000 to fit in the sump then so will the cone. They are both the same price so you might be tempted to buy the bigger skimmer, I recently bought the XP2000 and was puzzled if I should get the bigger one but I opted for the cone. I too will upgrade when I move into my new house next year, hopefully the XP will fare well on a lightly stocked 200g DT.

Ward1

04/29/2010, 03:41 AM

Steer clear of that Vertex bud. You will not be happy in the long run.

drunkfish3

04/29/2010, 04:26 AM

Get the SRO. I have a 5000 ext and it is freakin awesome.

jeepguy242

04/29/2010, 05:19 AM

Sro!!!!

Dustin1300

04/29/2010, 05:29 AM

It's starting to look quite obvious who the favorite is....

- 8 for the Super Reef
- 3 for the SWC
- 1 for the Vertex (-1 for negative?)

Dustin1300

04/29/2010, 05:30 AM

SRO XP 2000 is your man. The SRO 3000 might be too big for your setup and wouldn't have proper foam build up on a small tank since it's rated at 300g.

What's everyone think about the 3000 being too large for my setup? Would I have problems with it developing good skimmate or could I just stock a little heavier so I can keep the skimmer busy? Thoughts!?!

cpittmx

04/29/2010, 05:49 AM

For the price I dont think the SWC 160 cone can be beat.

Dustin1300

04/29/2010, 07:05 AM

Anyone with thoughts regarding the 3000 being 'too much' for the amount of bioload my tank will produce? Votes for skimmer is as follows:

- 8 for the Super Reef
- 4 for the SWC
- 1 for the Vertex (-1 for negative?)

tpenn187

04/29/2010, 08:24 AM

the 3000 is not going to be too big at all. i would definitely get the SRO over the others. as another poster said, the sro is basically the same body design as the extreme 200 but with a much better pump, i mean MUCH BETTER pump. i have a friend that has an older msx 200 body with the bubble blaster pump, and it skims like crazy on his system. he has about the same volume of water that you have and it is pretty stocked. that would be my first choice.

Dustin1300

04/29/2010, 09:34 AM

tpenn187, this pump is what drew me to this thing....I've seen videos of this and its ridiculous the amount of microbubbles this thing pumps out!

~Current Votes~
- 9 for the Super Reef
- 4 for the SWC
- 1 for the Vertex (-1 for negative?)

raswank1

04/29/2010, 10:33 AM

Bubble Magus 180 cone skimmer 399.99

Dustin1300

04/29/2010, 11:21 AM

I've ruled the Vertex out at this point as its popularity seems to not be in existence....Like I said before I'm open to suggestions in this price range as long as its in my criterion. raswank1 mentioned another consideration of mine but seems they are not as easily available. Footprint is very good because of the pump placement....What's everyone think of this skimmer thrown in the mix?

~Current Votes~
- 9 for the Super Reef
- 4 for the SWC
- 1 for the Vertex (-1 for negative?)
- 1 Bubble Magus

Stuart60611

04/29/2010, 11:29 AM

I would not purchase an octopus xp skimmer and instead go for the super reef octopus non-cone skimmers. The new 2010 super reef octopus non-cone skimmers have a re-designed cone-like body which pretty much gives you most of the benefits of the cone body without the cone price. There is very little benefit now to purchasing the xp cones in light of the new SRO 2010 body style. There is considerable discussion of this in the reef specialty forum here.

If you can fit it, I would go for the SRO 3000 over the SRO 2000. This will give you a lot of options to ugrade your tank later. You will not have to wory about water parameters as much and can stock heavy without bioload fears and feed as often and as much of what your animals need without worying as much about nutirient problems. Plus, I think the re-sale would be better on that skimmer because it is suitable for a broader range of systems. The people at reef specialty indicate that an SRO2000 is just large enough to handle a medium stocked 180. Since you are planing a 180 in the future, I would definitely go with a SRO 3000 over an SRO 2000.

Chupakabra-King

04/29/2010, 11:43 AM

Another +1 for the SRO !

Dustin1300

04/29/2010, 12:41 PM

Agreed on the Octopus XP Skimmer....I was already leaning towards the SRO 3000 but will be a tight fit in the sump area designated for the skimmer. Should this have any negative effect on the skimmer performance if it only is in an area that is going to be about 16 inches X 13 inches. The SRO 3000 has a footprint of 14.6 X 9.4! Is that too tight or does it really make a difference? I just want to be sure before I lay down $400!

Dustin1300

04/29/2010, 12:43 PM

~Current Votes~
- 11 for the Super Reef Octopus 3000
- 4 for the SWC
- 1 for the Vertex (-1 for negative?)
- 1 Bubble Magus

Stuart60611

04/29/2010, 12:51 PM

Agreed on the Octopus XP Skimmer....I was already leaning towards the SRO 3000 but will be a tight fit in the sump area designated for the skimmer. Should this have any negative effect on the skimmer performance if it only is in an area that is going to be about 16 inches X 13 inches. The SRO 3000 has a footprint of 14.6 X 9.4! Is that two tight or does it really make a difference? I just want to be sure before I lay down $400!

As long as it fits, the tightness of the space will have no impact whatsoever.

Dustin1300

04/29/2010, 01:37 PM

I figured this was the case. I've just got my first sump going ever and love having all the equipment hidden away. I'll have to post pics of skimmer once I get it installed. I've got more money to spend on things now and am slowly replacing the old equipment I had in use when first getting into the hobby. It's prolly going to be a couple weeks before I get the skimmer in place as I'm still awaiting the tank to cycle and I've spent nearly $1000 in the past couple weeks (The old lady may make me sleep in the garage if I spend much more this month!).

Dustin1300

04/29/2010, 02:17 PM

SRO 3000 FTW!

Who has some pictures of the Skimmer before I get mine ordered? Any modifications anyone would like to share that have helped get better performance?

Thanks again!

Dustin1300

04/29/2010, 06:09 PM

No one with some skimmate pics of the SRO 3000?????

Ward1

04/29/2010, 08:26 PM

No one with some skimmate pics of the SRO 3000?????

There is a huge thread on octopus cone skimmers..it has a lot of pics and good info..

Dustin1300

04/30/2010, 08:35 AM

Ward, found the thread and read through it last night. Pulled the trigger this morning and ordered the SRO 3000. Gonna have to drop by Premium Aquatics on my lunch hour today....Might even have to leave work early;)

Dustin1300

04/30/2010, 08:36 AM

Thanks everyone for your advice on this. I'll have to post pics once it is set up in skimmer. Tank is still cycling with just rock so I'm not expecting dirty skimmate quite yet.....At least it will get broke in before I get livestock moved in....

cakemanPA

04/30/2010, 10:56 AM

And if you are concerned about space... They have the Sss models. I squeezed a 5000sss into my skimmer area. There is a post on it here on rc

Dustin1300

04/30/2010, 12:32 PM

I picked up the 3000 SRO and should have it in place tonight. I'll update with pics as soon as I have up and running. New tank is still cycling so I'm not expecting any dark skimmate yet:) I've only got two 'devil' damsels to help with the cycling....

Dustin1300

04/30/2010, 01:01 PM

I've not done a lot of research on the topic but am wondering if anyone has experimented with ozone on the SRO 3000? Can anyone point me in the right direction that would further explain this or show how they integrate with the unit. From my understanding you basically run an ozone generator that plugs into your air induction on the pump (in my case the Bubble BLASTER). Thanks again!

Dustin1300

04/30/2010, 07:46 PM

Got the skimmer installed! Since tank is still cycling I'm not expecting much skimmate! Anyways, check out the pics:

Tank that I just got going. This was right after water got done topping off!
http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp32/Dustin_1300_Reef/DSC02021.jpg?t=1272677928

Tank with some of my rocks from my other tank:
http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp32/Dustin_1300_Reef/DSC02036.jpg?t=1272678081

The Bubble BLASTER:
http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp32/Dustin_1300_Reef/DSC02038.jpg?t=1272678217

The SRO 3000! A bit tight but still have 3-4 inches above for getting cup out!
http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp32/Dustin_1300_Reef/DSC02037.jpg?t=1272678263

RayRay1983

04/30/2010, 08:08 PM

That skimmer is bad a** lol I want one so bad lol

Dustin1300

04/30/2010, 09:03 PM

Skimmer was just plugged in for about five minutes before I took the shot. From what I've seen thus far I believe I will be thoroughly pleased. Quality is amazing and the bubbles from the bubble master are amazing. Now I've just got to get an order of fish together so I can put this thing to the test. With a system that is just under 100 gallons I don't think I'll have any problems with whatever load I throw at it! Lots of fish may be on the way soon:) Think I may start a thread on my new tank so I can get everyones input on what I should put in place.

robthorn

05/01/2010, 12:33 AM

Skimmer looks great but does anyone else hate the red label? Do you think it cold be peeled off?

Dustin1300

05/01/2010, 06:39 AM

I could care less about the label but it could definately be peeled off;)

Canoe1

05/01/2010, 07:50 AM

I personally run a IN100 Gen 2 and the crap it pulls is dark and nasty....

Anyways Dustin it looks like you`ve made a nice choice and i`m sure you`ll be quite pleased with your skimmer..Now sit back and watch it perform..haha.

Regards,

Dustin1300

05/01/2010, 08:17 AM

I hope it performs....Not much for it to perform with right now but about to move coral over shortly. Tank has just been cycling with 2 damsels so I'm sure I'm not going to have any dark skimmate yet....Ready to move the lights to it and start moving some of my soft corals over after I've done more testing.

Neoz

05/01/2010, 08:25 AM

I just ordered this exact skimmer for my 180. Should be here Tuesday according to my tracking info. What size tank is your skimmer on?

robthorn

05/01/2010, 11:45 AM

Dustin1300

05/01/2010, 01:34 PM

I just ordered this exact skimmer for my 180. Should be here Tuesday according to my tracking info. What size tank is your skimmer on?

Total volume is only a bit over 100 gallons. I went ahead and got the 3000 becuase I'm moving going to buy a different house next spring so I did not want to get my 180+ going and then have to relocate. This way I can just use the same skimmer once I start my next one....

Dustin1300

05/01/2010, 01:35 PM

Cool the label comes off. They used to be black which for some reason makes a difference for me. I am a little messed up though but at least I am not in denial. :)
Do you notice any noise from the pump at all? Some have said there is a humming or something. Some say it may go away. Wish we had someone local to see one of these in person.

Pump noise is a little louder than I expected....More from the air that the bubble master sucks in I think. Don't notice the actual pump too much. It is definitely something I can tolerate.

Dustin1300

05/02/2010, 12:27 PM

Now that the pump noise has been mentioned it does seem that the skimmer is a bit louder than expected. Anyone else with this or did it seem to go away? I've verified the rubber feet are in place on all four.

Fishamatank

05/02/2010, 01:10 PM

I have one of octo bubble blaster pumps and there is a definite hum, it is louder than my sicce return pumps. The performance and price of the skimmer more than make up for the pump noise in my eyes.

sjm817

05/02/2010, 01:55 PM

I have an XP3000 and the pump is definitely not what I would call quiet. Not horrible or anything, but has a very noticeable hum to it.

Dustin1300

05/02/2010, 02:01 PM

Fishamatank, I completely agree on the price/performance as I could not find anything that was a better pick for the money. Have either of you noticed the humming go down? My previous skimmers pump was nearly silent but the performance was also lacking;) I am happy with it and ready to throw a heavy bioload at it to see what it can handle!

sjm817

05/02/2010, 02:09 PM

Mine is 3 weeks old. Maybe just a bit quieter, but its hard to say. I have a basement sump, so the noise is not an issue for me. I wouldn't be happy with the skimmer if it were in the stand. If you are looking for a quiet skimmer, I would be careful about getting a SRO,

Dustin1300

05/02/2010, 02:16 PM

I've already gotten the skimmer/pump and am still happy about it. The main noise I first heard was with the vibration as it was resting on the glass. Also, the tank is not in my living room so it's not something I really hear unless I'm in dining room and still is very tolerable. I love this skimmer and do not want to bring any bad feedback on it! I plan on doing a big upgrade once I buy another house next spring and that was the point of having such a powerful skimmer for my 100 gallon system....That house I'll make sure that it has a dedicated fishroom and the wife does not know yet....But one of my considerations in buying the house will be whether I can build the tank into a wall or some other way that will easily integrate into the floor plan;) Will be back of my head and will not be mentioned to her!

sjm817

05/02/2010, 02:34 PM

My comments are not meant to be "bad feedback", but "honest feedback". A problem I see with the forum reviews of products is they tend to be very binary. The product is either the greatest thing ever, or its a piece of junk. I always try to give an honest opinion so others interested can make an informed decision. I'm happy with the skimmer for my needs. Its is built well enough, performs well, is stable, easy to adjust. It has a nice small footprint. The price is right. The pump is not quiet. That is not an issue for me. It may be for other perspective buyers. Most products have pros and cons.