[EnZo]

So I finally gave up on my Reef Octopus BH800S skimmer. It took me awhile to get it going but when I did it worked like a champ but now the pump has packed it in and i'm just ready for something new.

I'm not completely against using another RO but I don't know that I want to deal with another Sicce pump considering how much of a pain it is to maintain.

Any recommendations are welcome, please!

As far as price range, $300 would be around the most i'd spend.

My tank is 55 gallons and has a medium to heavy bio load I would say.

 

[EnZo]

After doing some research, i'm leaning towards "Super Reef Octopus LX1000S"

 

[dkling]

Do you have a sump? Try to find a good euroreef used . They are awesome skimmers. The rs80 would be a nice size for your tank if you do have a sump.

 

[SeaCow]

I have a Reef Octopus BH1000 and I have absolutely no complaints about it. It really does its job. Zero's across the board as far as water quality. Actually I do only have one small complaint and that is the length of the intake tube with the surface skimming attachment. I had to cut about 1" off the intake tube so that I could get the skimming attachment to be at the right height in my tank for the water level. This was easy tho and took seconds to do.

It has kept my tank clear and 0 nitrates and 0 phosphates. This is on a 29g by the way but it is rated to 100g so it should be perfect for your tank. and i believe it goes for only 160.00 on BRS!! well within your limit. Just a suggestion, hope you find the right one for you.

 

[FutureDoc]

Well, that Sicce pump was a bit of a mess... for all skimmers it was attached to, not just the Octos. The problem that you keep running into is the fact you are using HOB skimmers. Adding a sump and then an insump skimmer would make a world of difference and allow greater flexibility.

Any of the bubble blaster driven skimmer will work amazingly well... even the new Sicce are supposed to be leaps and bounds better. Even the basic Octopus in sump skimmers will provide a good value as far as in sump skimmers. I love Euroreef but I would not recommend an old skimmer with an old pump for your tank. If you want to buy the body and then find a pump for it, then that is the other option... but difficult for HOB skimmers.

If sumps are off the table, unfortunately, then you need to look at an internal skimmer. Check out the TUnze 9006. That is likely the best option for the sumpless.

 

[EnZo]

Unfortunately I have go sump less still for now. So yup, definitely have to find another HOB skimmer. I just don't really want to get a skimmer that might be worse than the BH800S. That thing was a monsters when it was working right.

Decided to go with the BH2000S.. I like that the pump is on the outside so it'll be easier to access to clean.

 

[EnZo]

Update: I got the BH2000 today and i'm absolutely loving it so far. It was simple as pie to setup and its already pulling gunk out just hours after running! It's not loud either which is heaven sent compared to that BH800 I had.

Thank you for your advice to those who replied.