Octopus Skimmers

Are all Octopus skimmers generally quality skimmers?
I am setting up a 55 gallon reef aquarium. I do not have a sump so the skimmer needs to be HOB.
Also, what are the advantages of the Octopus BH-100F over the Octopus BH-100?
I am on a budget and don't want to spend over $150.
Are there any others skimmers you would recommend for that price range?

 

The BH-100F has an extra filter chamber that adds water capacity and aids in filtering. You can run carbon, your grounding probe, LR rubble, etc in the extra chamber.
I have a BH-100F on my 40 and love it. I'd say its the best out their for it's price hands down

 

there supposed to be the good economy skimmer.
the 100F doesn't have the pump in the tank only a two tubes and a small surface skimmer for the intake(pump is in the HOB part). the 100 does have a pump in the tank. and doesn't look as good. no surface skimmer either.
HOB Octopus Skimmers
the 100F is 9.95+shipping over your spending limit.
i would recommend the a coralife 65 or 125. on ebay there in your range
coralife skimmer, Home Garden, skimmer items on eBay.com
the coralife wouldn't be as nice for HOB purposes, they are bulky and the bubble traping box could be better(some easy mods will improve it). but i have a coralife 125 and it would do a great job on a 55.

 

i heard the 100F was easy to overflow if the filter media in the extra chamber is packed in. can you confirm or deny this pack.

 

I would deny. Ive never had problems with overflowing. I have seen instances were people pack a lot of things into the skimmers filter chamber, and it raises the water level enough to cause microbubble issues, but never overflowing.
Also, do some various shopping around. I got mine shipped for less than $150. That was about 8 months ago too, so I guess the prices could have gone up.

 

Of all the HOB skimmers I have seen the three that stand out IMO are

Aqua Medic Turbo Flotor 1000 Multi-SL
AquaC Remora Pro
Octopus BH-100F

If you have a little extra money lying around, the Aqua Medic would out perform the other two IMO. But you cannot lose with any of them on a 55.....they are ALL quality units.

 

thanks for the advice.
I think I am going to go with the Octopus BH-100F.
Where did you get yours from?

 

A couple of places I have looked at saw they are out of stock on the Octopus BH-100f.
where do yall recommend getting one from