Reef Octopus

[Jnance]

Hello! So here it is... the Reef octopus skimmer. rated for 150 gallons. Does anyone have some input on this seemingly underpriced needlewheel device? is the price too good to be true? same rating pretty much as the aquac EV-180, but it is considerably cheaper. what do you think?

 

[luke33]

I would suggest getting a vertex skimmer over that one as the design is better on the vertex and they are cheaper in price. The pump's on both are the reason they are cheap. Check out premium aquatics and the vertex.

 

[Network_Guy]

I've got an Octopus NW-150 on my125 and so far its been great. The only down fall is the break in, mine took some tweaking and about 2 weeks before I was happy with the performance. I guess this is normal for some skimmers...

 

[kidder]

This is the 4th skimmer that I have owned and so far the best...by far! The abilty to make minute adjustments is awesome. After 48 hours running I have collected about 6 oz of fairly gross skimate. Very impressed so far and would highly recommend this skimmer.

 

[trekel]

i have the nw 200 modded running 160 gallons i think its great just be careful when you clean it they are fragile dont use super hot water i did on the collection cup and i heard some cracking i think it was the seams on the cup luckly i stopped quik enough and it is fine

 

[Network_Guy]

Trekel what modes have you done? I was thinking about doing the mesh mod and the gate valve mod. Have you seen performance increase from your mods?

 

[gotfish]

Another thumbs up for the nw-150. I've got one on my 75g and it took about a week and a half to finally start pulling the really nasty skim out, but that's to be expected. I'm looking at doing the mesh mod on it once I do a little more investigating, but even without it, it seems to be doing very well.

 

[luke33]

If you have the newer version you don't need to mod it but if you have the old version you can mesh mod it, boar out the elbo and redo the venturi. Here's a good read, and will work for the 110, 150 and 200.

http://www.reeffrontiers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39129

 

[gotfish]

Mine is going on 4 weeks since I bought it. I'm assuming this would be new, but is there a way to tell?

 

[luke33]

If it has a funnel neck its new, if it doesn't then its old version. Both versions are still sold. A pic would be the best way or link to where you got it.

 

[gotfish]

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/Prote...Octopus-Needlewheel-Skimmer/product_info.html

This is where I got mine from and there's the pic of it. It does have the funnel neck. So modding this one basically won't do anything is what you're saying?

 

[jhampton_wsu]

For what it's worth I have a Vertex 80 running in my 90 gallon and it's doing a great job. It is easy to adjust and collects way a lot of skimate. The build is solid and I've never been worried about it cracking during cleaning. The guys at Barrier said it would perform up to 150 gallons no problem so I opted not to get the 100.

 

[luke33]

I think the guys at barrier pulled your leg a bit with that comment, but no harm done.

Gotfish, thats the newer version. I personally wouldn't mess with modding it. The venturi is better and the plumbing is unrestricted. If the pump goes bad, which often happens, and you have modded it the warranty will be void.

 

[gotfish]

Thanks for the info Luke.

 

[Jnance]

kidder what model are you refering to? thanks for all the info. lovin it!

 

[Jnance]

kidder... come in kidder.... kttcchh... over...