Reef Octopus replacement pump

[bylinepjw]

I have used a Reef Octopus with a Varios 6 needle wheel on my 180 for years, but it is becomming increasingly troublesome and parts are getting more and more expensive. Has anyone found a plug-and-play replacement for the Varios 6?

 

[mcarroll]

Curious what kind of problems you've been having?

Would you have to basically cut off the union fitting from the skimmer and glue up something else in its place?

Do you think the skimmer itself would be worth the effort? I haven't found mine to be very impressive in the year or so I've had it.