ASM or Octopus

[justahobby]

I'm looking at upgrading skimmers. I've come this far with a HOB Bak Pak but I want more security. I have 78 gal total water (58 w/ 20 in sump) but plan to upgrade to a 70 display in the near future. I like to feed without regard so a little overkill is nice as long as its in the $200 range. Heat from the pump is also an issue. My tank is running 82 deg. and I am planning to make the mag 5 pump external, I think that will be my only solution aside from a chiller. I don't want to replace one problem for the same one. I have been looking between these two protein skimmers and the octopus looks overrated in its max recommended gallons. It's cheaper than the G-1 though. I've read that the pump can be finicky on the Octopus but don't know anything about the ASM G-1. Any experience using these or know another skimmer in this price/ rec gal. range?

http://www.aquacave.com/reef-octopus-nw-150-br-needle-wheel-protein-br-skimmer-749.html


http://www.reefgeek.com/filtration/Protein_Skimmers/ASM_G-Series/G-1_Protein_Skimmer_w!_Sedra_2500_Pump_by_ASM

[glennr1978]

I run the octo nw150 on my tank and love it. I have a bit less water volume than you do (40 breeder w/ 20g sump), but I probably have a higher bio load. I have 12 fish and well over 50 corals, actually I probably have more than 60. I also feed quite heavily. The octo keeps up easily.

Concerning your thought of it being over rated on its' max capacity, you may be right, but that tends to be the case with most skimmers. I think it could EASILY handle up to 125g with a moderate bio load. In fact I'm going to be upgrading to a tank in that size range very soon and plan to use the octo on the new tank.

I haven't had a single issue with the pump on my skimmer, and it doesn't seem to heat up the water either. My tank stays right at 78.5 give or take 1 degree, and that's with 2 150w mh's, 2 24w T5's and no chiller. I only cool my tank with a couple of 4" fans from wal mart that are controlled by a acjr.

Hope that helps. I've heard that the bubble magnus skimmers provide a great bang for the buck, you might want to check them out too.

[glennr1978]

I just noticed that the octo is on back order on aquacave. If it wasn't a great buy then it would likely be readily available.

[brewercm]

I've had both and liked both. The Octopus is a little better build, but they probably pull about the same amount of gunk.

[brewercm]

There's a great deal on a EuroReef in the for sale section that would suit you perfect.

[Agent Jones]

Octopus...you can get them online for 100 bucks used or 160 new

[glennr1978]

Octopus...you can get them online for 100 bucks used or 160 new

This is true. I paid $90 shipped for mine. It was used for 3 weeks but looked brand new.

[tony]

There's a great deal on a EuroReef in the for sale section that would suit you perfect.


lol, i was gonna post the same, thats a steal on that skimmer

[ReefCube]

PM redline! best bang for the buck I have not seen anything come close in performance in that price range

[justahobby]

Thanks for the input. I pm'ed about the euro reef and if that doesn't work out I will go with the octopus. I searched for the bubble magnus and came up with a couple small chats but nothing in terms of a for sale website. Anyways good looking out guys :thumbs_up: I was glad to get so many opinions and a couple leads.

[dustint21]

This will be my next skimmer! http://www.marinesolutionsinc.com/catalog/Protein-Skimmers-MSX-Skimmers/c22_48/p131/MSX160/product_info.html?osCsid=go3qm4k5np036e2rvbs1oelid 1

I have owned the ASM and it was the best bang for your buck a few years ago but know you cann find better deals on newer technolgy. The MSX has the bubble pate, and the pump under the body, so it takes up less room in your sump.JMO good luck with purchase!

Dustin

[justahobby]

After looking at specs I'm not sure If I can work with a Euro-Reef. The RS135 is 24"Tall and needs 6.5" water depth. I have 29" under my stand with 14" of water in my sump. That means the best depth I could offer would be 10 maaaybe 9 inches. The octopus recommendation that I found (tough to find one) is 10 inch water depth and the skimmer itself is 22" allowing for collection cup removal which gives me an extra 4 inches of head room.

Does anyone know how great of a difference the depth will affect my skimmate production if I do go with the Euro Reef?
Dustin - I was intrigued by the MSX and how It comes with your choice of a mesh or pinwheel

[Texreefer]

I have an Octopus Dual 150 on my tank and love it,, never had a problem with the pumps

[corkyGramma]

I have an Octopus Dual 150 on my tank and love it,, never had a problem with the pumps

:blushing: I was just gonna say that. I have an octo HOB 300. When I was shopping I heard that ASM's are very good and used by companies that maintain show tanks. However, it has been mentioned by people who have owned both skimmers that they work the same so... how much are you willing to spend is the question... pumps are inexpensive to replace.