ER RS-80 vs Octo 110 vs ?

[Newreeflady]

Hi, i'm trying to find a skimmer after a dissapointing last one, and i'd like to get opinions on these for my 45g system.

I'm looking for something that is plug-n-play, I want it to skim well almost right out of the box (I understand there is a slime coating to build, but after that, I don't want to do massive amounts of fiddling.)

Also, i'd prefer not to skim all of the water out of my tank. I don't want dry skimmate, but I don't want tea-water, either.

Pls comment. I have a 10x9" space i'm working with in my sump.

Thanks!
Angela

 

[Jeremy B.]

Hi,

The little EuroReef RS080 does an excellent job, and would be my recommendation. That unit would be more comparable to an Octopus 150, rather than the 110.

We actually have the Promo RS080 on sale right now as well for $178.95.

Thanks!
Jeremy

 

[cskollmann]

Hi Jeremy,

I ordered the RS80 for my new sump from you today, based in large part on this recommendation. I'm building in the baffles now, could you tell me what depth you would recommend for the skimmer compartment?

Thanks,
Chris

 

[Jeremy B.]

Hi Chris,

That skimmer will operate anywhere from 4" and on up, however the sweet spot seems to be right at about 6" - 7".

Thanks,
Jeremy

 

[Newreeflady]

Is this part glued backwards?

Is this part glued backwards?

When looking at the drawing, and trying to make sense of the setup, I'm thinking that the PVC Tee that you fit the elbow for the flow outlet to is glued backward and should point away from the pump?? I can't see how else to make this work, pls help.

-A

 

[Jeremy B.]

Hi Angela,

That "T" that is on the top of the outlet pipe is actually not glued on. If you try to pull it up and off hard enough it should loosen up for you. Then you can swing that piece around to fit on the outlet however you'd like it.

Thanks,
Jeremy

 

[Newreeflady]

Ah, I see. I didn't want to break anything. I'll try that.

Thanks,
Angela

 

[Blackacid]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9255076#post9255076 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Newreeflady
Ah, I see. I didn't want to break anything. I'll try that.

Thanks,
Angela

Did you get the promo version of this? How do you like this skimmer thus far?

 

[Newreeflady]

Hi, I just set the skimmer up yesterday. I would be happy to give you a 1 day review, which I will update over the week...:

So Far:


Noise Level:
I had heard it was loud, and I disagree. I have worked hard to make my system silent, and I don't care how silent you think your system is, if you have an overflow, this thing won't make a difference. It isn't loud, imo. In fact, due to the way they have set up the return to go underwater, it is quite nice as there is no splashing noise at all.

Build Quality:
This is a nicely built skimmer. I've owned a few, here are the units i've owned in the past from recent to a few years back:
1) RS 80 (current)
2) Bubble Master 150
3) CPR Bakpak II w/maxijet
4) PM HOT-1

In build quality, i'd rate them best to worst 1 > 4 > 2 > 3

Cool Features:
-The outlet adjustment angled pvc pipe: This means, as you adjust, the noise level doesn't change, and the adjustments are rather fine which should allow for one to adjust to their liking with fair accuracy.

-All PVC build outside the body. I just had the BM150 and that thing looked like the output arm was just waiting to be broken off as it was just glued thin acrylic. This acrylic is thicker, and they use pvc parts for the fittings, and arms, et. I think it will be far more durable.

-Euro-lock on cup: Very nice, I have the clearance, but if one didn't you truly need no clearance above the cup to remove it. And, it's easy to remove.

Production:
Now, this has not even been running a full day, so i'll keep you posted. So far, I have nearly approx 1 cm of wet skimmate. It started to foam up to the top right away, then I put my hand in the tank and the oils collapsed it. Note, I did not rinse the skimmer in vinegar or other. I checked this morning and it had not overflowed and seemed to be producing a little. I will readjust this evening and check again tomorrow. I don't have time to sit around the house adjusting my skimmer all day, so ymmv (you might dial yours in sooner.)

SO FAR I'M PLEASED AND HOPEFUL... More updates to come. Thanks to Jeremy for the recommend.


-A

 

[Newreeflady]

I should add, I almost couldn't fit this in my sump. It is within the size it said it fits in. I would say that size is very accurate for the footprint, so be sure you have a little more space than they say to allow for room between your walls, et. If this thing were 2 cm larger in either direction, it wouldn't fit in my sump. whew!

Also, PA packaged the unit very nicely (i'd expect nothing less from them.) Additionally, ER did a nice job in boxing it themselves, so the combination of packing from the factory and PA could probably have survived a nuclear war (j/k, but really, very nice job.)

-A

 

[sjm817]

Nice job on the review.
You should also post this in the lighting/equip forum. the RS80 gets asked about a lot. The information would be helpful.

 

[Newreeflady]

I just went ahead and moved a copy of the review to the lighting/equip forum. I will update it periodically.