Octopus INT-PS-150

H

hardaur

Premium Member
Anybody have any opinion on this skimmer? I've heard it does a great job but may be a little fragile.

It looks pretty interesting, especially for the footprint (and price). Short of that, I'm probably going to go with an EV-120/180 and have to build yet another sump (will be #3 in as many months due to poor planning/learning).

Thanks!

H
 
I've heard that the extruded is significantly more fragile than the cast. However, I've seen no first hand reports on this particular model (looking mostly at RC). That's all from early yesterday reading, I've slept since then, so maybe I'm crazy.

I'm also looking at an EV-180, or an ASM-G2 (also extruded pvc, I believe), but I REALLY like the footprint on the octopus. Just haven't got a comfortable feeling that it'll do a decent job yet.

At this point, I'm very confused on my whole skimmer situation, a lot of options and a lot of opinions, not many of them matching up. If anybody does have recommendations, I'm VERY open.

H
 
Well, looking on the retail sites most of them are saying that the nw-200 is cell cast acrylic anyway. So maybe this is the way to go, and even save a buck or two in the process. Will still have to build another sump, but I think that's a given anyway.

You guys recommend any mods for the nw-200, or is it suitable out of the box?

I've attached a poll to this topic to see what people think. Help a poor confused geek out and let me know what you think!

Thanks a ton all!

H

P.S. If anybody is looking to sell one of these, let me know.
 
i have the same octopus skimmer just mine is the recirculating model...I would do the gate valve mod....and if you have high biolad or want pristine water clarity you can do a mesh mod to the impeller..if you want to get real fancy you can make the venturi bigger or add another one to add more air to the chamber.

i personally just did the o-ring mod and mesh mod...and am definetly satisfied with my skimmer.

You will want to go with needlewheel skimmer. aquac is a good skimmer you just need big pump to run efficiently it in my opinion


check RC forums also i picked up mine for cheap and it was used for less than a month
 
I would look into the MSX 160 Skimmer by Marine Solutions. They have a Sicce pump, and come mesh-modded with extra mesh material.

Everyone on RC raves about them, I'm going to give one a shot since I don't mind a little custom modding once in a while.

Here's more info on them:
http://www.marinesolutionsinc.com/catalog/Protein-Skimmers-MSX-Skimmers/c22_48/index.html

Here's the giant RC thread:
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1379328

Here's an Octopus Modder thread if you still want to go that way. Some of the modders have been able to get extremely good results from them:
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1181623
 
Thanks for the info on the mods, looks easy enough.

Also thanks for the info on the MSX, for the price I kind of like doing the mods, but the bubble plate is interesting, I've wondered how well those work. Some of the Octopus skimmers have them, including the model that's the subject of this thread.

Anybody else have opinions?

Thanks!

H
 
I agree with Bigjay, seriously consider the MSX. I have an Octopus that used to be on my 105g, when I had it set up. But in researching a skimmer for my new tank, I've looked at the MSX's a lot and would be getting one of those, but they don't make one large enought for my new tank.

Try this link as well, has some good info. Compares some of the more common skimmers (as well as controller).

http://aquariumcontrollers.com/aquarium-equipment-comparisons.php
 
Do you guys think an MSX 160 would handle a 100g FOWLR (figure heavy stocking) with any problems? By the looks of it I wouldn't think there'd be a problem.

H
 
@hardaur wrote:
Do you guys think an MSX 160 would handle a 100g FOWLR (figure heavy stocking) with any problems? By the looks of it I wouldn't think there'd be a problem. H said:
It should handle it with no problems at all.

Like I said, I'm ordering the MSX200 for my 180.
Click to expand...
 
Well, I think that was one of the most researched buys I've ever made, aquarium or otherwise. It was a very tough decision with almost as many opinions as skimmers on the market. In the end though, there was only one skimmer that I found nothing but praise for, not one solid complaint (on newer runs) that I could find. That being the case, I put in my order for the MSX-160 this morning.

Wish me luck, and thanks all! ; )

H
 
Good luck.....I have a MSX-250 waitinｇ to be installed when I get back in town. It's gonna replace a DAS EX-2 on my 130G.

Cheers,
 
@bimmerzs wrote:
Good luck.....I have a MSX-250 waitinｇ to be installed when I get back in town. It's gonna replace a DAS EX-2 on my 130G. Cheers said:
A 250? That thing is huge. I'd love to get one but the footprint is 16" X 16" X 24" high and it won't fit in my sump.

So I ordered the 200 instead (11.5" X 13.5" X 22.75" high).

Will you be re-doing the factory mech job?

PS: Post pictures when you get it installed!
Click to expand...
 
As I understand it, they've redone how they're doing their mesh mod and it's supposed to be pretty good out of the box.

That said, I also understand that they're shipping a bit of the mesh material with the skimmers to help with the maintenance of the mesh mod as time goes on.

H
 
You get better performance by redoing the mesh yourself, using three layers instead of one or two, and taking your time to get it "just right". People on RC report getting better than twice the performance of the out of box mod. I'm thinking of redoing it myself right away, so at least I can learn how to do it right.

Besides, the replacement mesh is cheap and can be ordered from the same site:
http://www.marinesolutionsinc.com/catalog/Enkamat/c50/index.html
 
Got my order confirmation:


Marine Solutions Online Store
<hr class="bbcode_rule" />
Detailed Invoice: Date Ordered: Monday 12 May, 2008

Products
<hr class="bbcode_rule" />
1 x MSX200 () = $359.99
<hr class="bbcode_rule" />
Federal Express (1 x 28lbs) (Home Delivery): $19.24
Sub-Total: $359.99
Total: $379.23

Not bad, I hope this skimmer turns out to be as good as everyone says it is.
 
Hrm, interesting. I'm not going to be installing it immediately (going to make a new sump, and not starting on that until I get the skimmer and time). I might have to give it a look. I know I've seen a thread on RC about it, but where are you getting your information on actually doing the mod?

H
 
The mod looks easy enough to do. It's a three zip-tie and a pair of scissors job.

Meshmod1.jpg
alt="">

This guy cut his mesh too small.
Meshmod2.jpg
alt="">

Properly done mesh job.
newmesh.jpg
alt="">
 
It's funny how something I spec on a regular basis for erosion control has now found it's way into this hobby. At least now I can justify surfing the board as being "work related" :lol: :wink:
 
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