Repair Or Replace Skimmer...

[Bigfish]

The pump on my 4 year old reef octo 2000int up and died yesterday with no warning. A replacement bubble blaster pump is more than I paid for the skimmer and is getting pretty close to the price of a whole new unit. Trying to decide whether to suck it up and buy a new pump, or purchase a different brand of skimmer? I was honestly never overly impressed with the reef octo. I used to run an asm g2 prior to it and found the asm was much more consistant. I've been reading reviews on the Bubble magnus curve 7 and people seem to love it. Just looking for some opinions before making my decision. I have a mixed reef 120g display, tied to a 40g sump with a cheato refugium and algae scrubber. Intetested in hearing opinions on other skimmer options as well.
Thanks!

 

[John721]

Yeah it's dumb that just the pump is almost the same price as the whole setup is. I had the pump go on my skimmer awhile ago and I think it was about $50 more for a whole new one

 

[Luke.]

I’m no expert by all means on fixing a skimmer or what to do / not do , Just a thought why cant you buy any pump ? Wouldn’t it work as long as the fittings fit ?

 

[Bigfish]

The pump requires a needlewheel impeller and a union that would mate up with the skimmer input.

Yeah it's dumb that just the pump is almost the same price as the whole setup is. I had the pump go on my skimmer awhile ago and I think it was about $50 more for a whole new one

Definitely! I hate to be wasteful, but it doesn't really make sense...

 

[Bigfish]

I’m no expert by all means on fixing a skimmer or what to do / not do , Just a thought why cant you buy any pump ? Wouldn’t it work as long as the fittings fit ?

Unfortunately the unions won't fit and it also needs a needle wheel impeller. The skimmers are also designed with the pumps specs in mind as well.

 

[TORX]

I have had skimmer pumps fail in the past as well. It is almost cheaper and easier just to buy new or used instead.

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[Bigfish]

I have had skimmer pumps fail in the past as well. It is almost cheaper and easier just to buy new or used instead.

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I think I will end up buying something new. I thought the Reef Octopus would last longer but Unfortunately not much does these days.

 

[TORX]

I think I will end up buying something new. I thought the Reef Octopus would last longer but Unfortunately not much does these days.

Good call.

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[Skim]

I believe you can put the pump from the 150 int on it and it will be a Classic 150 INT skimmer. The Blaster pump was added to put the skimmer body to its max. I believe if you can do this you will find it will be more consistent. Reef supplies should have them.

 

[Bigfish]

I believe you can put the pump from the 150 int on it and it will be a Classic 150 INT skimmer. The Blaster pump was added to put the skimmer body to its max. I believe if you can do this you will find it will be more consistent. Reef supplies should have them.

Already bought the bubble magus. The whole thing cost me less than the reef octopus pump. I never did find the reef octo to be consistant. Figured I would give the bubble magus a shot. Never bought cheap equiptment before, but people seem to have mostly good things to say about them.