Reef Octopus Skimmers

[TimG]

I have a heavily stocked 90g tank with 20 gallon sump.
I want to move to a larger tank ~150-200g in about two years
I have been considering the XS200 or the SRO-3000I.
How much of a difference is there between the two skimmers?
What is the recommended water depth for the XS200?

Thanks,
Tim

[Jeremy@CoralVue]

The SRO 3000 is a larger skimmer overall and is closer to that of the XS250 and can handle a much larger tank. The SRO 3000 would never work on your 90gal and the smallest tank I would run it on is a slammed 180gallon. The XS200 is for tanks up to 200gallons and is a much better choice for your current tank and up to a slammed 180gal. The XP2000 is also slightly to large for your 90gal but would also work well on the upgrade.

[TimG]

Out of curiosity when you say it would never work, what exactly do you mean?
Will it not produce skimmate? Will it overflow?

What about a SRO 2000 or is the XS200 a better choice?

Also can you comment on calcium buildup on the shaft of the Sicce PSK 1000 pump, I read the description on the CoralVue site that mentioned the Bubble Blaster pump uses titanium nitride shaft that prevents this buildup. I am replacing a DIY skimmer that used a Sedra 5000 and the shaft would get stuck every 2-3 months with calcium buildup.

Thanks,
Tim

[Jeremy@CoralVue]

Yes the XP 3000 will only work when your bio levels get high enough to maintain a steady head of foam and for a 90gal that would be a cesspool. I have a 3000 on a heavy stocked SPS tank and it skims steady but not like when I had the XP2000 on it. These skimmers are massive performers and I plan on placing my 3000 on a 200-280gal display and around 3-400gallons total water volume as I feel this is where it will really shine.

Between the two the SRO 2000 is hands down a better skimmer. It pulls more and process more water per hour. The Bubble Blasters are the only pumps we have that have titanium nitride shaft and bearings. The PSK if the conditions are right (heat and precipitation) will cause the shaft to get calcium build up. Not nearly as fast as a sedra which are notorious for running hot.

[TimG]

Jeremy,

Thanks for your help!
One more question what is the recommended water level for the XS250 and SRO2000?

Tim

[Jeremy@CoralVue]

About 8-9" on the XS250 ( Which IMO will also be too large for a 90gal to get a decent performance out of) and 5.5-5.75" for the SRO 2000.

[TimG]

I apologize I meant the water level for the XS200.
I currently can only accomodate an in sump skimmer that has a max height of 24".
The skimmer area of my sump has a water depth of 9.5"
So the SRO 2000 will not work on my current tank because I would have to raise it 4" thus it would not fit. Unless I can figure out how to modify my sump or stand easily.

If I cannot get a skimmer that will fit my current space requirement, I might need to replace the current Sedra 5000 pump.
What would be the equivalent Bubble Blaster pump? What is the size of the input & ouput plumbing for that pump?

Thanks!

[Jeremy@CoralVue]

The water level is still in the 8"-9" range for the XS200. For the life of me, I can't remember exactly what that pump draws in air and I believe the water is about 500gph. What are the dimensions of the skimmer? ex height, width, neck width etc. Pic would also help.

[TimG]

Jeremy,

Picked up the Octopus Extreme 200 last week.
Just wanted to share a few pics.

Thanks for all your help, new skimmer is working great, already have a cup full of dark skimate after a week.

Still thinking about a replacement pump for the old skimmer, 6" diameter body, 2" neck, main body 16" tall, 5.5" riser.

Tim

[Jeremy@CoralVue]

It will be tough to say with that skimmer configuration but by the 2" neck alone you pretty much have to resort to the BB1000, Sicce 1000, PSK2500 with stock or small pinwheel and even with those you may have to lower the output to gain control over your settings.