New Reef Octupus Skimmer Thread (Pacific Coast Imports)
- Thread starter Psionicdragon
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Mr. Pluto, I'll have to check to see if the 3500 will fit. I noticed that it came with two different sized impellors (regular, not needlwheel). Why? Maybe the Octopus needlewheel will fit the OR. If not, I can always buy one. I also have the needlwheel from the 2700...anyone know if they are the same?
I was wondering about the output size too. Is it me, or is the chamber exit on both pumps the same. The OR just looks like they hook up a larger fitting on the exit. That looks a lot bigger than the one on my 3500 (maybe need to hook into the Turboflotor 5000?).
Have you tried just swaping the impellors between the Octopus and Ocean Runner. The OR looks to have much denser teeth and smaller diameter. Maybe that is what increases the air draw.
I was wondering about the output size too. Is it me, or is the chamber exit on both pumps the same. The OR just looks like they hook up a larger fitting on the exit. That looks a lot bigger than the one on my 3500 (maybe need to hook into the Turboflotor 5000?).
Have you tried just swaping the impellors between the Octopus and Ocean Runner. The OR looks to have much denser teeth and smaller diameter. Maybe that is what increases the air draw.
canesfan44
New member
If I can't do all these mods to the RPS-1000, would I be better off getting a different skimmer. I am not very handy with tools and I have a paralyzed hand, so I was wondering if this unit without the mods would be better than other skimmers of similar price.
fareforce
Premium Member
Ok, I got mine setup today, and it is pulling a solid 6L/Min of air. I didn't even modify the gasket. Here are some picks.
Sorry the pics aren't great, my tank was in night mode, and I sprained my wrist installing the skimmer.
And because I was taking pics here is my mantis tank on my desk.
Sorry the pics aren't great, my tank was in night mode, and I sprained my wrist installing the skimmer.
And because I was taking pics here is my mantis tank on my desk.
canesfan44
New member
Can I hook up my phosban reactor before the protein skimmer. I'll have a small pump, pump water from the sump to the phos reactor, then to the skimmer, and finally back to the sump.
tonyf
New member
Canesfan, it is generally recommended to have your skimmer fed before anything else. That ensures that the skimmer gets 'raw' water, cleans it and then passes in on to the rest of the system. Skimmer will always perform better if fed first. See Anthony Calfo's "Skimming 101".
Tone
Tone
Mr. Pluto, I was looking at my OR3500 in my sump last night. As for as I can tell, the outlet fitting on the OR is identical to the Octopus, for the 3500 anyway. Aqua Medic apparently modifies it on the 3700.
So...the OR3500 would probably fit up directly to the skimmer with no modifications. I'll probably give it a try this weekend. Now I just have to decide whether I want to buy an OR needlewheel to try out.
Anyone know if the 3700 and the 2700 have the same needlewheel? I doubt it, but I wanted to ask.
So...the OR3500 would probably fit up directly to the skimmer with no modifications. I'll probably give it a try this weekend. Now I just have to decide whether I want to buy an OR needlewheel to try out.
Anyone know if the 3700 and the 2700 have the same needlewheel? I doubt it, but I wanted to ask.
Well, I came across some unexpected cash so I cancelled my order for the RPS-1000. I'm wondering if I should order the RPS-2000 instead? The larger skimmer will be a pain in the neck to implement though, as my aga pine stand isn't tall enough. I COULD cut the cup down an inch or so, as I'm going to use the drain anyway, or I'd have to build something to cover the skimmer as my wife is concerned about the baby and the eyesore factor.
If it were YOU which one would you choose for a 50g BB sps tank. Total water volume will be at most, 65g.
Thanks for your input guys, I look foward to it!
Daniel
If it were YOU which one would you choose for a 50g BB sps tank. Total water volume will be at most, 65g.
Thanks for your input guys, I look foward to it!
Daniel
Canesfan44, to answer your earlier questions about how the skimmers perform without modification...
I can't attest to the 1000 personally, since I have the 3000. However, from the performance of the 3000, I would say the PCI skimmers perform well for the price point. I'm looking at upgrades to make me $400 skimmer perform similar to those priced at $1100. Even if I have to upgrade the pump to an OR3700 or Sedra 9000 (anyone care to comment on which one?) for an extra $100, I'm still ahead $500-$600.
I don't think you'll find a better exteranl skimmer for $188. The only thing close would be the ASM G1x ($202) with a recirculating mod ($20). Even then, it should be used in sump, since the ASM skimmer have a habbit of leaking at the cone. The PCI skimmers are really a lot better made, IMO.
I can't attest to the 1000 personally, since I have the 3000. However, from the performance of the 3000, I would say the PCI skimmers perform well for the price point. I'm looking at upgrades to make me $400 skimmer perform similar to those priced at $1100. Even if I have to upgrade the pump to an OR3700 or Sedra 9000 (anyone care to comment on which one?) for an extra $100, I'm still ahead $500-$600.
I don't think you'll find a better exteranl skimmer for $188. The only thing close would be the ASM G1x ($202) with a recirculating mod ($20). Even then, it should be used in sump, since the ASM skimmer have a habbit of leaking at the cone. The PCI skimmers are really a lot better made, IMO.
canesfan44
New member
thanks block. I just put in the order for the rps1000 yesterday. I don't mind if I have to buy an ocean-runner or a sedra, it was just those little mods that needed to be drilled and such, that I wouldn't be able to do. but I have a small tank, so even without any mods it should do a hell of a job, certainly better than my remora did.
zeddy, that skimmer appears to be the Octopus Shreader skimmer we have over here. I don't know of any mods. I believe most over hear favor the needlewheel version (I know I do). You can find a description here:
http://www.reeftanksupply.com/product_info.php?products_id=390
It's made by the same company, so you might be able to find one over (down) there. The only mod on the needlewheel version is the gasket mod. Stick the gasket in place with a little super glue and then use a drill (or knife) and notch the gasket to uncover most of the air hole.
http://www.reeftanksupply.com/product_info.php?products_id=390
It's made by the same company, so you might be able to find one over (down) there
. The only mod on the needlewheel version is the gasket mod. Stick the gasket in place with a little super glue and then use a drill (or knife) and notch the gasket to uncover most of the air hole.
Well, just ordered the 2000 about 10 minutes ago. While I'm waiting for the skimmer, lets see some more pics!!!!
I guess I'll understand what to do with the venturi o-ring when I get it. I'm having a hard time picturing it in my head, even with the great pictures people have been taking.
Thanks all,
Daniel
I guess I'll understand what to do with the venturi o-ring when I get it. I'm having a hard time picturing it in my head, even with the great pictures people have been taking.
Thanks all,
Daniel
tonyf
New member
I have been in contact with the manufacturer regarding the low air draw through the venturi and have received a response that suggests that the venturi hole (shaft) may be misaligned. I am waiting on further explanatory diagrams to pinpoint what exactly the fault is and how it might be fixed.
Cheers, Tone
Cheers, Tone
FYI, I was just on the Aqua Medic website, and they list the OR3700 as being able to draw in 150 gph of air. That's about 9.5 lpm. Mr. Pluto, it looks like you confirmed that with your test.
Mr. Pluto, did you ever hook the OR up to the skimmer body? If so, how are the bubbles and skimmate now?
Unfortunately, I can't find anyone with an OR3700 needlewheel in stock to mod my pump. I figure I'll swap and use the OR3500 for the skimmer and the Octopus for the return (the OR was a little too strong anyway).
Mr. Pluto, did you ever hook the OR up to the skimmer body? If so, how are the bubbles and skimmate now?
Unfortunately, I can't find anyone with an OR3700 needlewheel in stock to mod my pump. I figure I'll swap and use the OR3500 for the skimmer and the Octopus for the return (the OR was a little too strong anyway).
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