Just got my OCTOPUS EXTREME 160 today...

[JLAudio]

Just got my octopus in today:
http://www.aquacave.com/octopus-extreme-160-br-protein-skimmer-br-by-coralvue-2199.html

It seems like a dead copy of the BM 160 except with an improved gatevalve, similar to euroreef, a silencer and drain valve from the collection cup.

Im wondering if I should keep the needle wheel on it or use the 2 other options it comes with

1) Being the mesh and ties. This pulls good but makes restarting a nightmare on these pumps.

2) It comes with a Yellow Rubber impeeler with three blades. Currently im using this one because I couldnt get it to spin with mesh and it definitly looks better than with the original needle wheel

Anyone else have any experience with this skimmer?

 

[o0jmadr0x0o]

i have an msx200 which is similar. i run the meshwheel and have no start up issues. took me a while to get it dialed in but its the best skimmer i have had so far(thats not saying much) but i love it so far

 

[fernandokng]

Is it me, or you seem to have so many skimmers! I'm envious

 

[CIA]

wow, you got three different wheels? I haven't seen the three blade wheel. I'm using the mesh with fishing sting...no start up problems.

 

[JLAudio]

Ill try and find a pic and post it, but from the aquacave website it describes its air pulling capabilities in comparison to the mesh. It refers to it as the rubber needle wheel. It seems to be better than the typical needle and as good as mesh without startup issues but I havent tried the mesh on thsi one so its hard to tell but had the mesh on the bubble master 160 which is fairly similar

 

[JLAudio]

Is it me, or you seem to have so many skimmers! I'm envious

Lol, I know but I just get them and sell them for new ones. I just love trying out new ones. I can honestly say so far this one is top of the heap for $260 purchase.

 

[fernandokng]

I saw the Octopus Pro 300 series. That is sexy as well. But only $700 :-(

Let's see your puppy in action!

Did you end up getting the Bubble Magus?

 

[NYreefNoob]

When U Get Tired Of That I Got A Er 135 Fully Modded I Need The Space In My Sump

 

[JLAudio]

I saw the Octopus Pro 300 series. That is sexy as well. But only $700 :-(

Let's see your puppy in action!

Did you end up getting the Bubble Magus?

Never got the Bubble magnus, I purchased it off a site that said total cost was $100 or so, than after that they added on $90 for shipping so I complained and cancelled. It would have busted my budget after I got the sicce pump I would need, and Octopus was cheaper.

 

[JLAudio]

When U Get Tired Of That I Got A Er 135 Fully Modded I Need The Space In My Sump

I usually get bored in a cpl months so ill let u know. It has a real small footprint good water height control, silencer that doesnt restrict airflow, I have to say OCTOPUS really copied some great skimmers and did it at a fraction of the cost

 

[nycmat]

i couldnt open your link JL. sorry. i have a octopus as well. its not a bad skimmer

 

[autoponicz]

i see you got a new one instead...im was gonna sell you mine...
but oh well....i think my msx160 is happy where its working at right now

 

[MikeyNYC]

I just got my oct 160 today, looks like it's well made. Quick question for anyone in the know, how do you remove the cover on the sicce pump to replace the pin wheel for the mesh. I saw a tab that could be lifted with a screw driver, and maybe slide over, but it was tough and didn't want to break the thing on day 1

 

[CIA]

turn it counter clockwise with pliers.

 

[ssmtcarlo]

 

[JLAudio]

i see you got a new one instead...im was gonna sell you mine...
but oh well....i think my msx160 is happy where its working at right now

Auto, I figured its been so long since i sent you message it was gone, so my fault. If you need some help getting it sold let me know. Sorry again, I would of bought it in a heartbeat if I thought u still had it.

 

[JLAudio]

I just got my oct 160 today, looks like it's well made. Quick question for anyone in the know, how do you remove the cover on the sicce pump to replace the pin wheel for the mesh. I saw a tab that could be lifted with a screw driver, and maybe slide over, but it was tough and didn't want to break the thing on day 1

yea its insanely hard to get open, I used pliers as the other post stated, but I couldnt get it to run with the mesh. Let me know how it works out for you

 

[JLAudio]

here it is running taken on a camera phone

 

[ssmtcarlo]

Looking good! Looks like its building a nice thick foam head.

 

[JLAudio]

Yea, extremely pleased with it, for the price you cant beat it