Octo Extreme Skimmer KO Club
- Thread starter JohnL
- Start date
Hey everyone I just switched from a Octopus 110 to a Octopus extreme 160 for my 70 gallon tank (including sump water). I have a bunch of coral frags and two damsels. I hope it can keep up with my bioload 
All kidding aside is this skimmer too much? I plan to add another 5 or 6 small fish.
All kidding aside is this skimmer too much? I plan to add another 5 or 6 small fish.
RedHeckle
New member
Hey everyone I just switched from a Octopus 110 to a Octopus extreme 160 for my 70 gallon tank (including sump water). I have a bunch of coral frags and two damsels. I hope it can keep up with my bioload
All kidding aside is this skimmer too much? I plan to add another 5 or 6 small fish.
You should be fine, from my research, folks have used the Octx 160 on their 75g with good results.
RedHeckle
New member
Replacement for 2500, Sicce PSK 600 and PSK 1000
Replacement for 2500, Sicce PSK 600 and PSK 1000
Has anyone tried or seen these new pumps that are options to replace a Sicce 2500?
http://glassbox-design.com/2010/sicce-psk1000-psk600/
I have an Octx 200 on my 90g that's been running for about a year. I'm curious to see if I can get equal/better performance plus some reduced noise. I know there's the BB3000 but wanted to find input on these new pumps.
Thanks,
Glenn
Replacement for 2500, Sicce PSK 600 and PSK 1000
Has anyone tried or seen these new pumps that are options to replace a Sicce 2500?
http://glassbox-design.com/2010/sicce-psk1000-psk600/
I have an Octx 200 on my 90g that's been running for about a year. I'm curious to see if I can get equal/better performance plus some reduced noise. I know there's the BB3000 but wanted to find input on these new pumps.
Thanks,
Glenn
RedHeckle
New member
No probs!
Found the pumps at marinedepot: http://www.marinedepot.com/Sicce_PSK_1000_Professional_Protein_Skimmer_Pump_w_Needle_Wheel_%28880_GPH%29_Submersible_Water_Pumps_for_Aquariums-Sicce_USA-XJ1111-FIWPSB-XJ1113-vi.html
Now to see if anyone's using them. Hmmm, 600 or 1000 for my Octx 200?
Found the pumps at marinedepot: http://www.marinedepot.com/Sicce_PSK_1000_Professional_Protein_Skimmer_Pump_w_Needle_Wheel_%28880_GPH%29_Submersible_Water_Pumps_for_Aquariums-Sicce_USA-XJ1111-FIWPSB-XJ1113-vi.html
Now to see if anyone's using them. Hmmm, 600 or 1000 for my Octx 200?
NyReefNoob
skimmer freak
the 1000 for a octo 200
maddmaxx
New member
for a $100 cheaper but pushes the same water volume. seems like a good buy.....i have heard the BB3000 are also good, but i think that was to upgrade the pump. so the sicce 1000 should be equal to that in a sense...wonder if you cud get a new wheel (red devil, or PPW)
wit the new sicce pumps????
wit the new sicce pumps????
NyReefNoob
skimmer freak
no the new sicce is completely different, this is what they are using on their new skimmers as well, the wheel to get if they ever make it available is the one bubble master is using in their new line of skimmers 
RedHeckle
New member
Pulled the trigger last night, ordered the 1000 and the venturi for it (pump does not come with it - kinda suks - it is a skimmer pump). Will post pics when I do, plus noise comparison before and after break in compared to current sicce 2500. It should be here Friday, so Yay, something new to play with over the weekend!
Cheers,
Glenn
Cheers,
Glenn
Last edited:
RedHeckle
New member
Sicce PSK-1000
Sicce PSK-1000
Guess what came a day early from MarineDepot? Yup, my Sicce PSK-1000 and it venturi inlet!!!
I'm breaking in the pump right now but won't get to install it until tomorrow or Saturday due to time constraints. When I do, I'll take side by side photos of the 1000 and the 2500.
First impressions:
1) The PSK-1000 is a little bigger than the 2500, not by much though.
2) Needle wheel looks promising.
3) Smaller diameter tubing will be needed to connect to venturi, looks like 1/8inch ID tubing will be needed. So will need to rig a transition to the silencer.
Again, I'm swapping out the 2500 on a Octx 200.
That's about it for now, I was out most of the night with the wife celbrating our wedding anniversary. When we got home I tossed the pump in some RO water and vinegar; the wife just shook her head and laughed - at least she didn't throw a shoe at me! :jester:
Sicce PSK-1000
Guess what came a day early from MarineDepot? Yup, my Sicce PSK-1000 and it venturi inlet!!!
I'm breaking in the pump right now but won't get to install it until tomorrow or Saturday due to time constraints. When I do, I'll take side by side photos of the 1000 and the 2500.
First impressions:
1) The PSK-1000 is a little bigger than the 2500, not by much though.
2) Needle wheel looks promising.
3) Smaller diameter tubing will be needed to connect to venturi, looks like 1/8inch ID tubing will be needed. So will need to rig a transition to the silencer.
Again, I'm swapping out the 2500 on a Octx 200.
That's about it for now, I was out most of the night with the wife celbrating our wedding anniversary. When we got home I tossed the pump in some RO water and vinegar; the wife just shook her head and laughed - at least she didn't throw a shoe at me! :jester:
tangtang clown
New member
Nice. Keeps us posted. Congrats on your anniversary.
evergreenreeftank
New member
So my production into my collection cup seems to be reducing over the last month or so. I have to run my water level in the skimmer to about 2-3 inches below the lip in order to get any foam to actually go over into the cup. Any suggestions?
RedHeckle
New member
Best bet would be to ask in the general forum or start a specific thread in Filtration.
You might want to give details on tank size, fish load, maintenance performed on skimmer etc.
RedHeckle
New member
Ugh, need a different union fitting!
Ugh, need a different union fitting!
Didn't get very far tonight. I should have noticed it from the pictures but completely missed it - the connection point for the union on the psk-1000 pump is MALE, on the psk-2500 - it's FEMALE.
So, I need to get a threaded female union - bit of a downer. So much for an easy swap.
-Glenn
Ugh, need a different union fitting!
Didn't get very far tonight. I should have noticed it from the pictures but completely missed it - the connection point for the union on the psk-1000 pump is MALE, on the psk-2500 - it's FEMALE.
So, I need to get a threaded female union - bit of a downer. So much for an easy swap.
-Glenn
RedHeckle
New member
PSK-1000 on Octopus Extreme 200 - quick update
PSK-1000 on Octopus Extreme 200 - quick update
Just a quick update on this. I was able to FINALLY install the psk1000 on the octx 2000 by using a 3/4" female/female connector.
Install - Things to note:
1) cannot use a sch80 3/4in threaded union - this fits on the pump but the union connector does not match the union on the skimmer (the union is smaller on the skimmer). I didn't take any measurements or pics - I got a little ticked-off and just wanted to get the pump attached to the skimmer.
2) in using the additional connector + the longer psk1000 pump, the overall length from skimmer to end of pump has increased by an 1-1.5in or so (I'm guessing here - I'll measure tonight) - so yes, I had issues fitting the skimmer back into my sump (stnd 30g). After tightening down the connections more I was able to just get the skimmer into the skimmer area of the sump.
3) Tubing for venturi - venturi connector is smaller, I had to pick up some 3/8in x 1/4in tubing to have it fit on the venturi and even then it's not snug. I'll probably silicone the tubing down at a later date. So, I left about an inch of the OEM tubing on the muffler and then just pushed the new tubing inside of it where it fit snugly.
Initial observations:
1) Noise: pump still needs to break-in obviously, but it seems quieter. However, the noise from air being pulled in has increased noticeably even with the muffler. I can clearly hear the noise with the stand doors closed when before I couldn't. I added some cotton balls inside the muffler which has helped but I'm look for a better solution.
2) Startup: No issues after performing 5 restarts and 1 actuall power failure today. The pump fires right up with no hesitation.
3) Skimming: Looks to be slightly better, but I knew this wasn't really an "upgrade". I don't anything to measure airflow - sorry.
Tweak Punchlist
1) So, I'd still like to not have to use an additional connector to mate the pump to the skimmer. I going to see if I can find the proper union to mate with the skimmer. The extra length will make maintenance a little more difficult.
2) Lessen air intake noise - modify current muffler or go diy.
3) clean up air tubing connections
Overall, I like the pump especially for the zero startup issues so far - that along is a good reason to get this pump. Now if there's a way to "cleanly" attach the pump to the skimmer without that additonal connection piece - even better.
Anyone know what is the proper union to mate to the skimmer?
I'll try to take picture tonight - evenone loves pictures!!!
Thanks,
Glenn
PSK-1000 on Octopus Extreme 200 - quick update
Just a quick update on this. I was able to FINALLY install the psk1000 on the octx 2000 by using a 3/4" female/female connector.
Install - Things to note:
1) cannot use a sch80 3/4in threaded union - this fits on the pump but the union connector does not match the union on the skimmer (the union is smaller on the skimmer). I didn't take any measurements or pics - I got a little ticked-off and just wanted to get the pump attached to the skimmer.
2) in using the additional connector + the longer psk1000 pump, the overall length from skimmer to end of pump has increased by an 1-1.5in or so (I'm guessing here - I'll measure tonight) - so yes, I had issues fitting the skimmer back into my sump (stnd 30g). After tightening down the connections more I was able to just get the skimmer into the skimmer area of the sump.
3) Tubing for venturi - venturi connector is smaller, I had to pick up some 3/8in x 1/4in tubing to have it fit on the venturi and even then it's not snug. I'll probably silicone the tubing down at a later date. So, I left about an inch of the OEM tubing on the muffler and then just pushed the new tubing inside of it where it fit snugly.
Initial observations:
1) Noise: pump still needs to break-in obviously, but it seems quieter. However, the noise from air being pulled in has increased noticeably even with the muffler. I can clearly hear the noise with the stand doors closed when before I couldn't. I added some cotton balls inside the muffler which has helped but I'm look for a better solution.
2) Startup: No issues after performing 5 restarts and 1 actuall power failure today. The pump fires right up with no hesitation.
3) Skimming: Looks to be slightly better, but I knew this wasn't really an "upgrade". I don't anything to measure airflow - sorry.
Tweak Punchlist
1) So, I'd still like to not have to use an additional connector to mate the pump to the skimmer. I going to see if I can find the proper union to mate with the skimmer. The extra length will make maintenance a little more difficult.
2) Lessen air intake noise - modify current muffler or go diy.
3) clean up air tubing connections
Overall, I like the pump especially for the zero startup issues so far - that along is a good reason to get this pump. Now if there's a way to "cleanly" attach the pump to the skimmer without that additonal connection piece - even better.
Anyone know what is the proper union to mate to the skimmer?
I'll try to take picture tonight - evenone loves pictures!!!
Thanks,
Glenn
