Diablo vs Super Reef Octopus

[broncofish]

What would you get and why: Diablo DCS 200 internal or Super Reef Octopus 3000 internal? Price is exactly the same. Both rated for 300 gals.

Pro's and cons? Looking for a new skimmer for my classroom tank and wanted something close to this price point.

 

[Lord Treas]

I've looked at these two exact models, from what I can tell people seem to like the Reef Octopus 3000 a bit better. Granted you are going to hear different openions from different people. I've also heard that the diablo can make micro bubbles, but so can the 3000...and so on...

 

[ademster]

I have the sro3000int and love it.

Actually currently selling. Need to upgrade to a bigger one.
Pm sent

 

[freeswimmingfis]

I have a SRO3000int on my 156g and LOVE IT!!!

 

[broncofish]

Thanks for the replies.....why do you like this model over other skimmers you have owned?

 

[greengeco82]

The diablo pulls a lot more air into the skimmer than the bubble blaster (2100 lph vs. 1500 lph). I dont know if that makes it better? Im wondering which to buy myself. The SRO 3000ext or the DCRS200 EXT.

 

[abell]

The DC pump on the Diablo is suppose to be more power efficient and quieter.

 

[greengeco82]

Thanks for the reply, I think Im going to get the DC pump instead of the bubble blaster. I know the bubble blaster is a great pump, but the air draw from the dc is substantially better. The only problem is the DC version of the the Super Reef Octopus is on average $60 more. I guess thats not too much when you compare it to the $590 price tag.

 

[azjohnny]

You don't want 2100 lph of air in a 8" body, I have that much air going into a 10" with my SRO 5000 and feel its borderline too much

 

[rupatel]

I would wait, all the new waveline dc pumps ( which is on the diablo) are about to come out. And AZJOHNNY is right 8in body wont hold that much air. I would get the dc pump one but like I said wait b/c the new ones will have more speed control.

 

[greengeco82]

You don't want 2100 lph of air in a 8" body, I have that much air going into a 10" with my SRO 5000 and feel its borderline too much

What makes you feel like there is too much air going into your SRO 5000?
The beauty of this skimmer/pump combo is that you dont have to push 2100 lph, but can dial it back to where it works best.

Now I did research the "new" DC pumps. It seems they are supposed to handle increased head pressure, and are capable of being hooked up to an apex contoller. I cant find an ETA for the arrival of theses new pumps. I also dont think head pressure will be an issue for a skimmer, and I wont be hooking it up to a controller.

 

[greengeco82]

I would wait, all the new waveline dc pumps ( which is on the diablo) are about to come out. And AZJOHNNY is right 8in body wont hold that much air. I would get the dc pump one but like I said wait b/c the new ones will have more speed control.

More than 6 settings of adjustablity would be nice. Do you know when they are supposed to come out? I cant wait too long as my new tank build is under construction.

 

[broncofish]

I ended up going with the SRO 5000 SSS. I love it. Easy, draws a ton of skimmate. I agree with you on the comments about too much air. I dont see how a smaller body changes anything, except less water passing through. If the diablo pulls 29% more air, in theory it would have 29% less head pressure as well. I just went with the SRO because it has been a proven winner. Maybe when the DC technology can statistically show me its better, I'll take another look. But a lot of people like to chase the fastest horse in this hobby.

 

[kmac67]

I have the DCS 300-int and I love it as well. I have no issue with micro-bubbles. The skimmer is quite large compared to the 3000, so you have to make sure you have the sump space.