Skimmer recommendations Reef Octopus Regal 200-int Protein Skimmer - Deltec 1500ip In Sump Protein Skimmer - XFLO 6-2.5 Protein Fractionator Skimmer
- Thread starter danreef55
- Start date
- Tagged users None
alindell
Well-Known Member
Im currently running the reef octo 150 int elite. It's dead silent, skimms great and has an auto shut off. I've heard good things regarding reef octopus. I'm actually selling the larger size 220 int if you are interested. It's basically brand new but it's too big for my 160
minus9
5000 Club Member
Reef Octo for a slightly better price, Deltec for ease of use, long term maintenance and just all around great skimmer. I still have my Deltec 1351 going strong and plan on upgrading my 600i to the 1500i in the future (I run extremely high bio-loads). One of the many things I love about Deltec skimmers, is the lack of moving parts, bubble plates, etc.... I can take my Deltec apart in minutes and clean it without issue and have it up and running in no time. You can move the tubes to either spot (level and output), so you're not stuck to one configuration. Can you tell I love Deltec? 
rhaetuluscrenatus
Community Member
Deltec: NO, cheap quality high price, but if you're a fan of Deltec, so the black edition 1.5 is not bad or the old version which is using Aquabee pump.
Octo: 200 int seem too small for your tank, my tank has 150 gal and i'm using the 200ext regal, so need to go to 250 or 300 int. but
Xflo attracted me more, but have to use good pump, and your tank need 3.5 i think
thinking also the Nyos Quantum 300, not so expensive and reliable.
Octo: 200 int seem too small for your tank, my tank has 150 gal and i'm using the 200ext regal, so need to go to 250 or 300 int. but
Xflo attracted me more, but have to use good pump, and your tank need 3.5 i think
thinking also the Nyos Quantum 300, not so expensive and reliable.
OP
OP
Thanks for the feedback. Leaning towards the RK2
UtahReefer
Active Member
I can tell you that the Octo Elite INT skimmer are great skimmers. I have the 200 Elite on my system and it's a work horse. Pump maintenance is easier because it's outside of the skimmer and just unscrews. If you decide Octo then go with one appropriately sized for your system.
I have a similar sized system, roughly 360gal with 300g DT. Needle-wheel skimmers like the first 2 you mention are over rated and under flowed, they will NOT meet those recommended usages and in my opinion are garbage. I have 2 needle wheels for sale on these forums right now, rated for 300g that wouldn't do the job. Aquamax ConeS q3 and q5.
Here is a post I made about skimmers. The last one you mention, the Xflo Fractionater uses a mazzei venturi I believe, which is what I am using now on a skimmer I re-built basing my re-design on the Xflo skimmer. It's the ONLY one in your list I would even consider using.
www.reef2reef.com
My skim mate when from looking like weak tea to looking like coffee, and I was able to double my feeding amounts with no effects on water quality which made my 7 tangs very happy.
Here is a post I made about skimmers. The last one you mention, the Xflo Fractionater uses a mazzei venturi I believe, which is what I am using now on a skimmer I re-built basing my re-design on the Xflo skimmer. It's the ONLY one in your list I would even consider using.
Skimmers??? Best of 202X and they are always junk!
Why is it I see tons of reviews for the Newest Gimmick needle-wheel skimmers and why is everyone buying these pieces of underrated and under preforming garbage? Anyone who has worked with a large system with a heavy bio load will have found, like me, that these HYPED needle wheel skimmers are...
www.reef2reef.com
My skim mate when from looking like weak tea to looking like coffee, and I was able to double my feeding amounts with no effects on water quality which made my 7 tangs very happy.
Jimbo327
Active Member
I run a RO 300 skimmer on my 250gal (DT).
I'm not a skimmer expert, but I know that it works and pulls out gunk.
What is attractive about the RO line of skimmer is the availability of replacement parts/pumps, it has a built in overflow float switch on the cup to turn off the pump, and easy to pop off the cup for cleaning.
I'm not a skimmer expert, but I know that it works and pulls out gunk.
What is attractive about the RO line of skimmer is the availability of replacement parts/pumps, it has a built in overflow float switch on the cup to turn off the pump, and easy to pop off the cup for cleaning.
OP
OP
I am still deciding if I will run the skimmer in sump or external. Have experience with both setups. The sump is a 72x24x24 and will be in the basement so placement either way is possible. The RK2 doesn't get impacted by sump water level. So far leaning towards the RK2.
OP
OP
What pump would you recommend for the RK2 skimmer? Since the skimmer isn't impacted by changes in the sump water height it can use an in-sump pump.
A high pressure/head pump like an Iwaki. Venturi Fractionation relies on higher pressure at intake, more pressure more air draw more bubbles.
Last edited:
Having suggested what I feel is the best, I am driving a pair of mazzei 3/4 inch venturi's with a jebao dct 8000. I have no idea what my flow rate is, pumps running at 80%.
short vid of the skimmer I rebuilt.
OP
OP
Looks like it is really cranking!
A very underrated skimmer is the Tunze 9430dc. If you want a needle wheel skimmer thats set and forget take a look at one.
Pricey but you can find used ones for <$400 from time to time. I wanted to get a backup pump but at $400 I just bought the whole unit. I now have 3, one running in my ext 170 and 2 full spares for less than a new one.
They are rated for 900+g's and 270g's for a full sps system.
Cleaning the skimmers cup is so easy as you just lift it off and the neck is attatched.
I have ran it on as little as a 80g system with excellent results.
Pricey but you can find used ones for <$400 from time to time. I wanted to get a backup pump but at $400 I just bought the whole unit. I now have 3, one running in my ext 170 and 2 full spares for less than a new one.
They are rated for 900+g's and 270g's for a full sps system.
Cleaning the skimmers cup is so easy as you just lift it off and the neck is attatched.
I have ran it on as little as a 80g system with excellent results.
Similar threads
