Reef Octo Diablo 2500 vs SRO 2000SS

[Mattik]

I'm am trying to decide which skimmer to upgrade to. I know I want Reef Oct, as I have had an NWB 110 for several years, I it has served me well. I know the brand, and I like it, so I don't see changing that. However, CoralVue now has so many choices that it makes it a bit harder to choose.

I have narrowed my choices to the SRO 2000 SS or the Diablo 2500. The reason for these picks is that, although I am going to put the new unit on my existing system, I plan to upgrad to an oceanic 156 gallon tank in the next year or so (pending construction of our new house). So, I need a skimmer that I can break in now, but that will work on a roughly 200-250gal system.

Here is where I am stuck:

SRO 2000: Pro's: 1) Has the bubble blaster, which pulls a ton more air; Cons: $499 price tag for the cone

Diablo 2500: Pro's: 1) Better price (by $200 versus the SRO cones), 2) Higher rated for volume 3) Smaller footprint; Con's: Sicce pump - I'm not familiar with them, but they don't seem to have quite the reputation of the BB pumps. Also doesn't draw the air volume.

I'm leaning toward the Diablo, but I'm still trying to get comfortable with the Sicce 2500 pump, and it's lower air draw. Anyone have experience with them? Or, with this specific skimmer?

Note: Once I upgrade the tank, I'm planning to put a BB pump on the NWB110 and run both skimmers for redundancy sake.

[USC-fan]

I would get the SRO 2000. Diablo can't run a 150 gal. Reef.

[PokerReefer]

Are you you stuck on the SSS model as well ? Have you considered the int one. That would be my choice based on all the reading I have done.

[tommy tomato]

i was trying to decide between the diablo 2500 and the 160 at one point. I asked in the reef octo thread and was basically told the diablo 160 is better.... so with that said the 2500 couldnt even compare to the super reef. Im not sure why they used the old 2500 pump on there... i wouldve gladly spent an extra fifty bucks or so and had a bigger skimmer with a reliable pump. spend the extra money and get the sro.

[wildman926]

Once I upgrade the tank, I'm planning to put a BB pump on the NWB110 and run both skimmers for redundancy sake.

Just keep it as a backup. You don't need to run two skimmers on a tank, if you properly size the SRO.

[Mattik]

Are you you stuck on the SSS model as well ? Have you considered the int one. That would be my choice based on all the reading I have done.

Not necessarily stuck on the SSS model, but I do like the smaller footprint. On the larger system, I will have a 40 breeder for a sump.

However, in my current setup, my sump is only a 15 gal (24" long), so I would be taking up the buld of the sump with the INT. not a deal breaker to have the INT, plus the $$$ savings always helps, even if just a small savings.

If you have any references, I wouldn't mind reading a bit more about these skimmers.

[Mattik]

Im not sure why they used the old 2500 pump on there... i wouldve gladly spent an extra fifty bucks or so and had a bigger skimmer with a reliable pump.

I hear ya there...that has been my hang up on this skimmer. A dated pump seems a bit silly, except for trying to hit a specific price point.

[jason2459]

The Diablo may be a fine Skimmer but runs an older inferior pump compared to what's available today and like already mentioned it doesn't come close to drawing as much water or air as the hy2000 pump in the SRO series. I would go with the SRO2000 internal or SSS over the Diablo any day.

[wildman926]

The SRO 2000 Int just flat out rips....Have it on my 110g, going on a new 150g in April.

http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s86/wildman926/Aquariums/New%20110/bdbbf17e.jpg

[Saltwatercoral2]

Not necessarily stuck on the SSS model, but I do like the smaller footprint. On the larger system, I will have a 40 breeder for a sump.

However, in my current setup, my sump is only a 15 gal (24" long), so I would be taking up the buld of the sump with the INT. not a deal breaker to have the INT, plus the $$$ savings always helps, even if just a small savings.

If you have any references, I wouldn't mind reading a bit more about these skimmers.



I once had the SRO xp1000sss, and I absoultely hated it for one reason: The pump being under the skimmer, IT was a pain to have to take out the skimmer just to get the pump out. Save yourself your money, and just get the SRO 2000INt, thats what im looking at buying now.

[Mattik]

OK, you all talked me down from the SSS version. Since the INT seems to be so well regarded, I went with that model....ordered through Aquacave.

I wasn't even noticing that the INT is only about $50 more that the Diablo. Guess I was focused on comparing SS vs SS versions. Had I caught the INT price difference from the start, I may not have even had any trouble deciding.

Thanks for the quick feedback.

[karsseboom]

Yep get the sro2000 and do it right the first time.

[Plato]

Go with the bubble blaster pump.

[cameron0611]

I just went through this. I wanted the diablo and got talked into the 2000sss but then after further research i went with the sro 3000sss for 460 free shipping and its rated for 300 gallons

[jason2459]

I just went through this. I wanted the diablo and got talked into the 2000sss but then after further research i went with the sro 3000sss for 460 free shipping and its rated for 300 gallons

I was running a 2000 and went with a 3000sss on my 180 and love it. Great Skimmer and doesn't have the issue with the outlet placement like the 1000sss has apparently.