New Octopus Cone Skimmer or ...

[CaptainFlyingFishGuts]

I need some opinions. I'm about to purchase most of the equipment needed to start my 120g tech. Here's the list of what I'm ordering so far.

Lighting: ATI Power Module 48" x 8 bulb
Return Pump: Eheim 1262
Powerheads: 2 x Koralia 5.
Skimmer: ??

I've been looking at the Octopus skimmers because I hear good things about them (for their price of course). I'm wanting to stay right at $400 or less. The main decision I'm trying to make is the new Octopus Super XP 2000 or go with the Octopus Extreem 250.

Here's the stats for the new cone skimmer:
Octopus XP 2000

The XP 2000 is rated for 200 gallons and the Extreem 250 is rated up to 350 gallons.

The XP 2000 has a 50 SCFH which I have picked up means it puts more air bubbles into the water, but I'm not sure what that does for me. I'm assuming that this would help me skim more efficiently for it's size, but is that better or going with the bigger size skimmer? I need a skimmer 301 class or something.

Any advice? I've gotta decide before I can make the order if that tells you how much I need opinions.

Also, any comments on whether I should get bigger or smaller powerheads would be appreciated as well.

 

[SnowManSnow]

Honestly, I've had a few octopus skimmers, and have always ended up selling them to upgrade ..

Personally, I won't go octopus again.

 

[Marklu]

I disagree. I think octopus makes a solid skimmer that will do a fine job for most applications. Skimmers that cost double and triple the amount of an octopus will do better, but IMHO, not double or triple the price better..not even close.

 

[sedor]

I'm currently making almost that same decision as well, so lets hear some ideas on the best skimmer under $400. As if this topic has been done before

 

[CaptainFlyingFishGuts]

Isn't there a way to rate the skimmer based on size, pump performance, shape, etc. I would like my choice to not be based on opinion, but on fact. What makes the expensive ones better. Is there a scientific report which states how good a skimmer is?

 

[Reefer2727]

There have been many performance comparisons done for skimmers. There are a few threads in here you might enjoy. I am new to all this also and just decided on a skimmer for my 75 gallon set up.

To be totally honest, my choice was based largely on the size of the skimmer. I went with an Octopus Extreme 160. I have heard lots of good things about these skimmers. It was also the perfect size for my sump. From all my research these seem to be the consensus best bang for the buck. Are there better skimmers out there? Yes. I am willing to spend more than $1000 on a skimmer. Certainly not at this point.

 

[sanababit]

octopus skimmers are nice and for the price they are well worth giving them a try

sana

 

[CaptainFlyingFishGuts]

Ok, so which skimmer, the new cone skimmer or the 250?

The 250 won't be too big for a 120 will it?

 

[sedor]

I would go for the 250 simply because it is rated for a higher gallon. They have been tried and tested and always produce quality results. The cone is still very new and although it may be an amazing skimmer I don't think its the sure bet.

 

[DamnPepShrimp]

I would go with the MSX250 as well. I run a octo NW200 on both of my tanks and I started dosing vodka a couple weeks ago. On my heavily stocked 210g FO, I have it gate valved and I fill the collection cup up 3x a week of the nastiest stuff! I'd say octo makes a great skimmer, I plan on getting the MSX300 for my 210g.

 

[aniceplace]

COne figures

COne figures

I don't believe the XP-2000 Cone body could handle 50 SCFH. I've seen cones of similar size and the best they can handle is 30 SCFH. I wouldn't make your choice based on the 50 SCFH figure.

 

[CaptainFlyingFishGuts]

I got the 250. I'm working on selling a house so I don't want to set the tank up yet, but someday I'll have a build thread on here.

 

[jenglish]

Octo, MSX, and Vertex are the best IMO before breaking into the Bentlys of skimmers.