New Reef Octupus Skimmer Thread (Pacific Coast Imports)
- Thread starter Psionicdragon
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My apologies to anyone who may have been offended by my post, that was certainly not my intent. I was only trying to point out the realities of the supply chain. I have read several threads where people get bent about the price of something new increasing based upon popularity. This same thing happened with the Aquatronica controllers. Low initial offering to get it out there then price hike.
Shawn
Shawn
seaguy7
Premium Member
I just received my RPS 3000 yesterday and set it up this afternoon.
I am currently using the skimmer on a 100 gallon rubbermaid tub that I am using to cure some rock for my new 200 gallon system that I am in the process of putting together.
The skimmer seems to work great. I currently have an ASM 2 on a 90 gallon tank. The density of bubbles is far greater in the Octopus than ASM (but the Octopus is much larger). The instructions for the Octopus were pretty lame (one sheet with a single diagram) but it took me one trip to Home Depot and about an hour to get it working perfectly.
To attach the metric skimmer exit to 1.5" standard PVC, I found the pictured plumbing item at Home Depot. I believe it is intended to convert from 1.5" to 2" sewer pipe. I used the rubber piece and clamps (sold as a single item) along with a PVC 1" to 1.5" converter (note the ridge below the rubber piece). The outside diameter of the PVC converter piece is approximately the same as the outside diameter of the metric piece. The rubber piece joins them perfectly, with no leaks. The water you see on the rubber is from above where there is a slight drip from a PVC joint that I have not yet glued.
Here is a picture of the skimmer in action. It has only been running for a few hours.
There are more large and small bubbles exiting the skimmer than I would like but the supply pump I am temporarily using is a bit oversized so it is pushing through a lot more water than it will be when I get the right pump.
I am currently using the skimmer on a 100 gallon rubbermaid tub that I am using to cure some rock for my new 200 gallon system that I am in the process of putting together.
The skimmer seems to work great. I currently have an ASM 2 on a 90 gallon tank. The density of bubbles is far greater in the Octopus than ASM (but the Octopus is much larger). The instructions for the Octopus were pretty lame (one sheet with a single diagram) but it took me one trip to Home Depot and about an hour to get it working perfectly.
To attach the metric skimmer exit to 1.5" standard PVC, I found the pictured plumbing item at Home Depot. I believe it is intended to convert from 1.5" to 2" sewer pipe. I used the rubber piece and clamps (sold as a single item) along with a PVC 1" to 1.5" converter (note the ridge below the rubber piece). The outside diameter of the PVC converter piece is approximately the same as the outside diameter of the metric piece. The rubber piece joins them perfectly, with no leaks. The water you see on the rubber is from above where there is a slight drip from a PVC joint that I have not yet glued.
Here is a picture of the skimmer in action. It has only been running for a few hours.
There are more large and small bubbles exiting the skimmer than I would like but the supply pump I am temporarily using is a bit oversized so it is pushing through a lot more water than it will be when I get the right pump.
YEE HA! My two 3000's came in last night. I haven't had the change to hook them up yet, but I can't wait.
Let me say that for $400 (OK, I was lucky and got it for $355) I could not possibly be happier. The construction of these things is top notch. The only slight negatives are 1) I'll need to trim the gasket on the induction assembly slightly to uncover more of the air inlet and 2) the way the drain is placed you need about 1" to 1.5" to remove the cut (total clearance needed about 32" for those interested).
I am very impressed with the construction. I like the acrylic supports on the connections to the cylinder. I also like the acrylic support ring where the cylinder connects with the base. Also, the clear acrylic piece on the cup lid is counter sunk and glued. Small touches, but I like them.
My shipment contained all the plumbing I need expect some flex tubing...very nice.
For anyone interested, I have both an Ocean Runner 2700 (w/ needle wheel) and Ocean Runner 3500 pumps. The pump on the 3000 is a perfect match right down to the needle wheel. Based on the performance of the OR's, I'm sure I'll be happy with the 3000 pump.
I really don't know what else to say...$400 is a complete steal for this skimmer. I mean, the comparably sized Deltec, H$S, and ER are all over $1000. Shoot, the smallest Deltec (5" body with a small aquabee) is >$600.
Heck, if I hadn't already ordered my calcium reactor and kalkwasser reactor from Aquatic Systems Design, I'd be getting them from Pacific Coast too. I'm that impressed.
Let me say that for $400 (OK, I was lucky and got it for $355) I could not possibly be happier. The construction of these things is top notch. The only slight negatives are 1) I'll need to trim the gasket on the induction assembly slightly to uncover more of the air inlet and 2) the way the drain is placed you need about 1" to 1.5" to remove the cut (total clearance needed about 32" for those interested).
I am very impressed with the construction. I like the acrylic supports on the connections to the cylinder. I also like the acrylic support ring where the cylinder connects with the base. Also, the clear acrylic piece on the cup lid is counter sunk and glued. Small touches, but I like them.
My shipment contained all the plumbing I need expect some flex tubing...very nice.
For anyone interested, I have both an Ocean Runner 2700 (w/ needle wheel) and Ocean Runner 3500 pumps. The pump on the 3000 is a perfect match right down to the needle wheel. Based on the performance of the OR's, I'm sure I'll be happy with the 3000 pump.
I really don't know what else to say...$400 is a complete steal for this skimmer. I mean, the comparably sized Deltec, H$S, and ER are all over $1000. Shoot, the smallest Deltec (5" body with a small aquabee) is >$600.
Heck, if I hadn't already ordered my calcium reactor and kalkwasser reactor from Aquatic Systems Design, I'd be getting them from Pacific Coast too. I'm that impressed.
ordered mine
ordered mine
I went ahead and ordered mine today.... hopefully can get it to skip dry....has anyone done the mod from ball valve to gate? That has to be the trick to get it to skim dry no??
I figure if these units are as well built as described, they will continue to gain popularity and go up in price..and then if I ever wanted to upgrade to a H&S or Deltec, I wouldnt be losing much since I bought in at the lower price point...we'll see...
I am upgrading to a 180gal tank soon, but I might try to hook it up to my 120g cube...though space is limited under the stand... the 180 gal will have through wall plumbing and all components will be in a garage so then space wont be an issue...
G
ordered mine
I went ahead and ordered mine today.... hopefully can get it to skip dry....has anyone done the mod from ball valve to gate? That has to be the trick to get it to skim dry no??
I figure if these units are as well built as described, they will continue to gain popularity and go up in price..and then if I ever wanted to upgrade to a H&S or Deltec, I wouldnt be losing much since I bought in at the lower price point...we'll see...
I am upgrading to a 180gal tank soon, but I might try to hook it up to my 120g cube...though space is limited under the stand... the 180 gal will have through wall plumbing and all components will be in a garage so then space wont be an issue...
G
McMaster-Carr carries metric pipe fittings. The pipe is grey polypropylene (vs. PVC), but shouldn't be a problem. PS, these guys carry practically everything under the sun.
www.mcmaster.com
www.mcmaster.com
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