enkamat pf4 - Octo DDNW-250

[IowaKevinK]

I've been running my new, Huge, Octopus Skimmer for about a week now. The thing is great, and doing a good job so far. I have been reading the OctopusMods thread and can't resist. I'm looking for some of the "Enkamat Pf4" mesh for the mesh mod.



Anyone have some Enkamat left over I could get a piece of?



TIA,
Kevin

Link to OctopusMods thread http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1053688

 

[musty baby]

Tons. PM me.

 

[Covey]

I have some left and could help you mod it too.

It runs on 2 of the same pump that is on mine so I can really make it fly!

What are you doing Sunday?

 

[IowaKevinK]

not too much. please pm or call if you still have my number.
thanks covey,

-=kevin=-

 

[IowaKevinK]

Hey, you probably already know, but if you had any doubt, the mesh mod really works!

Thanks Covey! You really helped me alot. Now I'll be ready when the rest of the enkamat gets here - yeah ryansholl.

**Bonus, got me out of some of todays yard work.**

 

[musty baby]

Good, was going to make sure you still wanted it.

 

[Covey]

You might want to get with Bob since he has done the whole plumbing a recirc skimmer into a basement sump before.

 

[jtesdall]

I have been reading alot of posts on the Octopus Skimmers, sounds like they are highly reccomended. I was planning on building a DIY 3-4 foot counter current since all I read says the good ol' airstone in a tall skimmer is still the best. This project seems like it would only cost $100 or so with pump. I just don't plan on laying out a huge amount more than that.

After reading all of the good reviews on Octopus I thought I would look into them. Without stating what IowaKevinK's unit costs, WOW!, will one of the more affordable Octopus's work well enough on a small sump on a 55 gallon (although I will be upgrading to a 90 in the near future).

So bottom line - which is the better cost/performance option:
DIY-3'-4' Counter Current skimmer or
Affordable Octopus??

 

[musty baby]

If you count in the headache of changing out airstones every few weeks, which I have read is vital to keeping an airstone counter-current skimmer operating well, the octopus is the better option.

 

[jtesdall]

I don't know, I am willing to change alot of airstones for $500. ;0) Especially if it still skims better??

 

[jbrunken]

Wow, what are you going to spend $500 on? I only spent $350 for mine and it's probably way way way more skimmer than I need on my 125.

I would think that you could get a great octopus for a 55 or a 90 for around $250.

I don't know what the cost would be for DIY, but it seems like acrylic is not cheap, so I doubt you would be saving much...

-JB

 

[jtesdall]

At aquacave dot com the Octopus DDNW-250 is $599, granted that is rated for 650 gallons which I didn't look at before.

I am sort of a do-it-yourself kind of guy and the reading I have done says the longer the air bubbles have in contact with the water and the smaller the better. This has just been a few articles I have read from RC Mag, but it makes sense I guess. I notice all of these expensive skimmers only have about 12-24 inches of length. This one is 22. it wouldn't be but a couple dollars more to make a 3 or 4 footer.

So I was wondering if anyone had built one of the DIY skimmers and could compare. Even at $250 I will still lean towards trying it myself. More satisfaction that way, unless someone has tried it and they don't work. Should work though, the concept is fairly easy. Ryan is right though, changing airstones could be a hassle.

Any other opinions on the DIY?

P.S. The Octopus NW-110 is only $134, but is it any good? Rated to 90 Gallons?

 

[musty baby]

If you're a DIY'er you can always build your own recirculating or needlewheel skimmer. I know mine was in pieces on the living room floor when you were by the other day, but in a few days the only thing that won't be finished will be the collection cup if you want to have a look.

Out of curiousity, for you octopus guys, what's the inside diameter of the riser neck on the 250?

 

[jtesdall]

Collection Cup?? I thought the Wally World special you had on Rachel's refugium worked quite nicely. ;0) Actually I was planning on using that on mine.

Do you have DIY plans for the needle wheel (or recirculating) you are building?

Did you get my email earlier today, or is back in spam again?

 

[musty baby]

The collection cup for the 5 gal skimmer, which has been at a standstill until yesterday when I miraculously found the pvc fittings I had cut for it weeks ago.

I did get your email, but with as much interest as has been shown in the tank I think there are probably sniping bidders waiting til the very end.

 

[thugmebaby]

Got mine Ryan....

now time to try and mod

Thanks again
Mike