Octopus DDNW-250 versus Deltec 702 or H&S A250-2x1260

[ekovalsky]

I'm about to buy a skimmer and the Octopus DDNW-250 matches up very well on paper to the Deltec 702 and H&S A250-2x1260. Is the huge price premium of the German skimmers really justifiable in terms of quality and performance, or does the extra $1000 just buy hype and membership into an exclusive club ?

I do see two real advantages of the Deltec -- the potential to fit the self cleaning head and also the 1" inlet to easily get 600-700 gph via gravity feed. But a big negative is the unjustifiably high cost of replacement pumps.

The Octopus DDNW-250 (I've found the Coralvue version for as low as $585) has 10" diameter reactive chamber, 30" height, and dual Oceanrunner 3000 pumps with an external recirculating design. Acrylic quality is supposed to be excellent.

...

Also has anyone tried the Octopus dual chamber calcium reactor ? It seems fairly well designed and is priced very aggressively. I know the Deltec ones are supposed to be excellent

 

[slavearm]

But a big negative is the unjustifiably high cost of replacement pumps.

Uh... I have 4 eheim pumps total now, between them 12 years of service. I still have a 1250 I have been using for 6-7 years without issue. So... I don't think replacement pumps will be an issue for you. I did however recently break a ceramic shaft while cleaning. Cost me $12.50 to replace.

 

[kodyboy]

The deltec and h&S are probably better, but for the cost not over twice as good.

 

[DriftRtist]

If money isn't an issue for you then I think you should go with Deltec, H&S, or whatever high end skimmer you want.

If your on a budget like me I suggest the Octopus. You could even do the mesh mod to the Octopus to make it that much better.

 

[ekovalsky]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9242226#post9242226 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by slavearm
Uh... I have 4 eheim pumps total now, between them 12 years of service. I still have a 1250 I have been using for 6-7 years without issue. So... I don't think replacement pumps will be an issue for you. I did however recently break a ceramic shaft while cleaning. Cost me $12.50 to replace.

I think the Deltec version of the Eheim NW pump is $300-500 although I will check on it. I know the pumps are reliable, concern is always a snail or something else will get stuck and cause damage that may not be covered under warranty. Particularly since my plan is for gravity feed of a recirculating skimmer (which happens to follow Deltec's recommendation).

 

[Zoom]

Radiologist ? $$$$$$$$$
Get a Deltec you will like the very well balance skimmer.
I never had any problems with any of the Eheims.
I have six Eheim 1260 pumps three on my Deltec skimmers and three for tanks returns .
I still have a small Eheim pump for over 15 years never did anything to it just clean it once a year.

 

[KH971]

I have the DDNW250, the build quality is very good, it skims good, probably not as good as a Deltec or an H&S but I plan on doing a mesh mod to the wheelsand this should more than compensate. I still love the skimmer for the price and the large size.

 

[fishsoldseprtly]

I have an H&S A200-1260 and I love the thing.
heres a pic on what it gives me weekly.