Time to take the plunge

I never had any issues with my Reef Octopus when I ran one on my 120. The Bubble Blaster I used on it did quite well. I can't remember if there was a manual or not, but the operation is so simple that you don't really need one.

As to the noise level I can't really comment because my sump/skimmer was remote so I didn't pay any attention to it. I never really noticed any heat issues.

 

Thanks But the Hydor skims only up to 65 gals w/ DT and sump water its to small,it will be working to hard. The BakPak is a hang-on type. Im looking for a clean look.In sump is the only way to go IMOP.

 

Here are some options:

Super Reef Octopus XP 1000SSS CONE Protein Skimmer - AquaCave.com

Expensive, but ATB rocks:
ATB 840 Cone Protein Skimmer

More expensive, but my Bubble King 300 is amazing:
Bubble King Mini 160

 

BubbleKing is a monster but that price is way over my range

Atb looks a bit flemzy the base doesnt seem very beefy plus the price is still high for me! Being made in Austria probably has a lot to do w/ the price as well. Thanks.

Octopus looks good but im concerned w/ no instructions included im a noobie and every little bit of information on hand is necessary. Plus whats the water line on that gate valve looking to dump the skimmed water to my fuge section of my sump.

BTW Rocketman you hav a sick setup!!!! (looking at ur signature) NICE!!!!!!!!

 

Hey, welcome to the hobby! I'm gonna chime in here with my two cents now I stand by the spectra pure refurb for $120. I've got one and it does a great job! Came out of the box new and shiny. pretty quick too. But if you get in on the BRS group buy and get free shipping it will be cheaper. i would also get the sink adapter for it, its a quick disconnect unless you have a spicket u are gonna use. As for your live rock and sand, ditch the live sand waste of money IMHO. Go with marcos rocks argonite sand. Gonna be way cheaper. somewhere in the neighbor hood of $100 for 160 lbs of sand(they have smaller amounts to). I have the fine and I think course would have been better. It looks nice but stirs up easy. As far as rock you are on the right page going with lots of base, I personally wouldn't get that much live, maybe just 10lbs. I am coming from the angle of saving money were you can. So, when it comes to other equip. you have more to spend there. that is what i've got for now gonna have to look at your original post to comment further. Goodluck!

 

This is great advice.

 

+2!!

 

ok now I can read and go... Flow depends on what you are keeping in there, may need more. I haven't looked into rkl but i assume they turn pumps on and off to randomize flow (could be wrong idk) with a 4' tank I would want more than 1 1050 on at a time. Refractor.. perfect. I have one from BRS works great wouldn't go any other route. besides maybe digital but after using the refractor it simple and i don't see the extra $$$ worth it for a digital salinity meter. I have api master test kit, I give it a 7 maybe 8 out of 10, not hard to use just have trouble choosing between colors sometimes, I would recommend it tho. i'm still fairly new and will get a different set next time just to see what else is out there. As for Ca, Mg, KH I have the red sea kit. haven't used it yet I'm still cycling so not to worried about it. not sure if it was stick or cosmo but extra buckets are nice esp incase of emergency, great advice. I always try to keep atleast 40gallons rodi on hand would do more but dont have room. I think red sea pro is what a lot of people use, my two cents on salt is buy the best you can that way you can hopefully get around dosing in the long run may still be needed tho. Alright, heaters get something not glass and full submersibly that fits in your sump! Don't forget to check dimennsions. Hope this helps, just my thoughts

 

I recently bought a reef octopus skimmer and it came with a user manual. i believe you should also be able to find the manual online

 

I hav 2 powerheads on the list
Going w/ API for ammonia and Redsea for master kit
Checked dimmension for heaters will fit in sump. (Tempered Glass)
Will look into the sand u recco. I like real fine sand going to make it DSP (4inch)
+1 and Thanks!