tnw50cal
Valuable Member
I have the classic 90 too. Love it.
Which HOB Skimmer?
- Thread starter Wall
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LPS Bum
Well-Known Member
I’ve used Option 1 (the Aquamaxx 1.5) on my FOWLR for years. Great HOB skimmer. Does need to be broken down and cleaned thoroughly a few times a year though.
I’d caution you against using a skimmer with an external pump (like the one in Option 3). Eventually it’ll leak and create a mess. I prefer all HOB skimmer pumps to either be in the tank or inside the skimmer body.
I’d caution you against using a skimmer with an external pump (like the one in Option 3). Eventually it’ll leak and create a mess. I prefer all HOB skimmer pumps to either be in the tank or inside the skimmer body.
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LPS Bum
Well-Known Member
I had to do the same thing with the black rim on my FOWLR. But I’ve had no problems other than having to take it apart to clean it out every 4 months or do. Good HOB skimmer.
Sticker shock
Active Member
Another vote for Octo 90 classic. Been running for about 4 years and hasn’t given me any issues
LPS Bum
Well-Known Member
I’ve never used the Bullet, so I can’t compare the two. But cleaning the Aquamaxx once every 3-4 months isn’t difficult.
I break it down, soak it in vinegar and hot freshwater, and clean the pump, bubble diffuser and volute. Takes 45 min and it’s done, and most of that is soaking time.
For a small HOB skimmer it does a nice job, pulls a decent amount of skimmate and is very reliable.
If you haven't bought yet. I have a Reef octopus classic 100. It needs new sponges. They are like 4 dollars from coralvue. Its not the same as the classic 90 and has a much larger body.Just added 2 clowns yesterday that have been alive for 24 hours already. Yayy!!!
Now thinking of adding an HOB protein skimmer in November and need your help to decide which one.
I have a rimmed budget 60-gallon tank from Petco. Following is my research but of course, I need your help to decide on any of these or one that's not on the list.
Choice 1 Aquamaxx hob 1.5
HOB-1.5 Hang-On-Back Protein Skimmer
The AquaMaxx HOB-1.5 is an upgraded and more-powerful version of AquaMaxx`s best-selling HOB-1. With an enlarged bubble diffusor and reaction chamber, the new HOB-1.5 is able to fully harness the power of the Shark 1.0 pump to maximize foam production and protein extraction. The custom conical...www.bulkreefsupply.com
Choice 2 RO HOB 90
Reef Octopus Classic 90 HOB Protein Skimmer (OPEN BOX)
Ideal Hang-On-Back Skimmer Rated for up to 130 Gallons Footprint: 7.5" x 7.5" | Body Diameter: 4" | Height: 23.8"Pump: Reef Octopus Aquatrance 1000s ITEM IS NEW WITH DAMAGED BOXwww.coralvue.com
Choice 3 RO HOB 1000
Classic 1000 HOB Protein Skimmer (OPEN BOX)
Hang-On-Back Protein Skimmer Rated for up to 130 Gallons Footprint: 8" x 3.5" | Height: 17"Pump: Reef Octopus Aquatrance 1000s ITEM IS NEW WITH DAMAGED BOX
Choice 4 ICECAP
IceCap K3 250 HOB Protein Skimmer (OPEN BOX)
Compact HOB protein skimmer ideal for marine aquariums up to 250 gallons.K3 250HOB User Instructions - Click HereITEM IS NEW WITH DAMAGED BOX
IceCap K3 200 HOB Protein Skimmer (OPEN BOX)
Compact HOB protein skimmer ideal for marine aquariums up to 140 gallons.K3 200HOB User Instructions - Click HereITEM IS NEW WITH DAMAGED BOX
However, it was briefly used and put away very clean. You pay the shipping and its yours. I'm in 32244.
Also, you probably don't want it. It worked well. But I lived in constant fear of a overflow.
brclark82
Active Member
BRS has a good video showing the feature of both of the ones you’ve narrowed it down to so you can compare…they both use the exact same pump but have different designs, the HOB looks easier to empty but the Bullet looks like it has more adjustments…probably can’t go wrong with either based in the reviews…the HOB doesn’t need as much clearance behind the tank if that matters
OP
OP
Wall
Community Member
I really appreciate your offer. Overflow wouldn't be a marriage saver at all and I don't have much space in the back. Since doing glass lids the side won't be an option either.. Lol..
What are you using instead of classic 100?
I have long since shut that tank down. It was a home for some aggressive coral eaters who made a mess. I am now into nano's. I am using a Icecap K1 on one tank and a reef octopus miniQ on another. Both are very good skimmers.
AGWL
Community Member
I've been running a Reef Octopus BH90 on my 60g since February. When it works, it works great. But any time it's shut down for any length of time (to clean it, power outage, whatever), it will pull clear water, foam, and overflow. I have to literally sit there and babysit it until it decides to behave properly again. It sometimes takes days. It's been off now for a couple of weeks because I just don't have time to deal with it. It'll do the same thing if I go too long without cleaning, too. I'm about ready to throw the thing out the window. Looking to move to an Aquamaxx after the first of the year.
OP
OP
Wall
Community Member
A quick update HOB 1.5 is on sale right now at BRS for $191.99
HOB-1.5 Hang-On-Back Protein Skimmer
The AquaMaxx HOB-1.5 is an upgraded and more-powerful version of AquaMaxx`s best-selling HOB-1. With an enlarged bubble diffusor and reaction chamber, the new HOB-1.5 is able to fully harness the power of the Shark 1.0 pump to maximize foam production and protein extraction. The custom conical...
www.bulkreefsupply.com
Idech
2500 Club Member
Have you thought about an internal skimmer ? Tunze makes a nice one, DC if you want (Tunze Comline 9004 DC or Tunze Comline 9012 DC).
I have the 9012 Dc for my 75 gallons and it’s quiet enough, does a good job and it’s practically invisible in the tank. Contrary to an HOB, an internal skimmer can’t overflow and make a mess on your floor.
I have the 9012 Dc for my 75 gallons and it’s quiet enough, does a good job and it’s practically invisible in the tank. Contrary to an HOB, an internal skimmer can’t overflow and make a mess on your floor.
AGWL
Community Member
Could I see a picture of how it looks in your tank? I like the idea of an internal that can't overflow everywhere.
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