Help with new Skimmer Pump

Dobbs1101 · 07/18/2017, 10:16 AM

I need to get a new pump for my skimmer. It is a Vertex IN-180 with 8'' body. I was using a Bubbleblaster HY-3000s and had good results but the motor suddenly died. I can certainly replace the pump with the same Bubbleblaster pump but I noticed the new Reef Octopus Varios 4-S DC Skimmer Pump and it looks interesting. It has similar ratings as the BB pump but a bit more air intake.

I don't know much about the new DC pumps but I see the Varios 4-S DC Skimmer Pump is variable speed. I also like the idea that it comes with a float switch to add the skimmer cup, no more overflows.

Does anyone know if it would 1.-fit my skimmer? 2.-work any more efficiently? 3. should I scrap the skimmer and upgrade all together?

Can anyone tell me a bit more about this pump or another that would fit my skimmer body and work with good results?

-Bob

Dobbs1101 · 07/19/2017, 08:16 AM

Does anyone have any input?

moondoggy4 · 07/20/2017, 07:03 PM

One of the member here used a Sicce Synrca 1000 and did a recirculating mode of his Vertex skimmer. Another option is a tunze 9420 pump or the more expensive tuinze 9430 DC pump. I have no experience with the Varios 4 -DC pump but it should work as long as the skimmer it comes off is in similar size and neck size as well.

Dobbs1101 · 07/21/2017, 09:40 AM

I ordered the Varios 4 -DC pump. I'll let everyone know the results.

clittrell · 10/12/2017, 08:20 AM

Any updates?

LQT · 10/12/2017, 08:40 AM

Does the Octopus Varios-4 come with a pinwheel impeller option? If it does not, I can’t see how using a circulation pump to replace a needle wheel pump would work to run a needle wheel skimmer.

clittrell · 10/12/2017, 09:24 AM

They make a skimmer version with pinwheel.

LQT · 10/12/2017, 12:03 PM

Good to know... gets my gears clicking to Frankenstein a skimmer together with some old skimmer bodies I have laying around.

FishSticks86 · 11/02/2017, 12:14 PM

Any Updates? my HY-3000s also died the other days,

07/18/2017, 10:16 AM	#1
Dobbs1101 Registered Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Lincoln Park, NJ Posts: 95	Help with new Skimmer Pump I need to get a new pump for my skimmer. It is a Vertex IN-180 with 8'' body. I was using a Bubbleblaster HY-3000s and had good results but the motor suddenly died. I can certainly replace the pump with the same Bubbleblaster pump but I noticed the new Reef Octopus Varios 4-S DC Skimmer Pump and it looks interesting. It has similar ratings as the BB pump but a bit more air intake. I don't know much about the new DC pumps but I see the Varios 4-S DC Skimmer Pump is variable speed. I also like the idea that it comes with a float switch to add the skimmer cup, no more overflows. Does anyone know if it would 1.-fit my skimmer? 2.-work any more efficiently? 3. should I scrap the skimmer and upgrade all together? Can anyone tell me a bit more about this pump or another that would fit my skimmer body and work with good results? -Bob __________________ "Guess what?! I've got a fever, and the only prescription... is more cowbell!" "really explore the studio space this time." Current Tank Info: 120g RR SPS Tank, 40g sump, Reef Breaders Photon Led Light, Vortech M40's, Vertex i180 Skimmer, MRC Dual Calcium Reactor with Carbon Doser CO2 regulator, Mag 9 Return

07/19/2017, 08:16 AM	#2
Dobbs1101 Registered Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Lincoln Park, NJ Posts: 95	Does anyone have any input? __________________ "Guess what?! I've got a fever, and the only prescription... is more cowbell!" "really explore the studio space this time." Current Tank Info: 120g RR SPS Tank, 40g sump, Reef Breaders Photon Led Light, Vortech M40's, Vertex i180 Skimmer, MRC Dual Calcium Reactor with Carbon Doser CO2 regulator, Mag 9 Return

07/21/2017, 09:40 AM	#4
Dobbs1101 Registered Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Lincoln Park, NJ Posts: 95	I ordered the Varios 4 -DC pump. I'll let everyone know the results. __________________ "Guess what?! I've got a fever, and the only prescription... is more cowbell!" "really explore the studio space this time." Current Tank Info: 120g RR SPS Tank, 40g sump, Reef Breaders Photon Led Light, Vortech M40's, Vertex i180 Skimmer, MRC Dual Calcium Reactor with Carbon Doser CO2 regulator, Mag 9 Return

10/12/2017, 12:03 PM	#8
LQT Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Fairfield, CT Posts: 1,516	Good to know... gets my gears clicking to Frankenstein a skimmer together with some old skimmer bodies I have laying around. __________________ - Leon (aka - Water Dog) Deep Blue 57 Edge ATI Acro Garden Build Thread http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?p=25573384#post25573384 Current Tank Info: DeepBlue 57 Edge

07/20/2017, 07:03 PM	#3
moondoggy4 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: menifee So cal Posts: 11,042	One of the member here used a Sicce Synrca 1000 and did a recirculating mode of his Vertex skimmer. Another option is a tunze 9420 pump or the more expensive tuinze 9430 DC pump. I have no experience with the Varios 4 -DC pump but it should work as long as the skimmer it comes off is in similar size and neck size as well.

10/12/2017, 08:20 AM	#5
clittrell Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Shelton, CT Posts: 239	Any updates?

10/12/2017, 08:40 AM	#6
LQT Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Fairfield, CT Posts: 1,516	Does the Octopus Varios-4 come with a pinwheel impeller option? If it does not, I can’t see how using a circulation pump to replace a needle wheel pump would work to run a needle wheel skimmer.

10/12/2017, 09:24 AM	#7
clittrell Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Shelton, CT Posts: 239	They make a skimmer version with pinwheel.

11/02/2017, 12:14 PM	#9
FishSticks86 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 88	Any Updates? my HY-3000s also died the other days,