Hey guys, I'm going to upgrade my prizm for another HOB and I'm having a hard time choosing between a Reef Octopus or Aqua C Remora. I need something that provides surface skimming, is quiet, and doesn't produce a ton of microbubbles. I have a 45 Gallon FOWLR that actually has about 33 Gallons of water. Any help would be appreciated.
I've got a Aqua C Remora Pro (mag3 pump) and will make a few comments...
Overall, I like the skimmer. I've had it for over 3 years and my tank is thriving. Not sure if any of it is due to the skimmer, but it sure didn't hurt anything.
It's quiet, and is even more quiet if you do a little tweak to it, as described here...
http://www.aquariumadvice.com/forum...-remora-pro-how-to-make-it-quieter-92943.html
You can buy the surface skimmer box add-on for it, but just be warned: it makes an already large package in your tank even larger. Unlike some other HOB skimmers, the Remora puts the pump in your tank versus putting the pump in the skimmer. Granted, it makes for a simple setup, but it takes up a LOT of room in smaller tanks. And when you put the skimmer box on it, it becomes a monster taking up a LOT of real estate in your tank. I bought one and after I dry fit the thing, I realized "this ain't gonna happen" and never put it in my tank. Instead, I rigged up a DIY surface skimmer, described here...
http://www.aquariumadvice.com/forums/f20/surface-skimmer-for-remora-pro-97357.html
While I like my Remora Pro, I've always wondered if I'm pulling out as much crud as I could. I've also never been happy with the footprint of the pump in the tank. In a few weeks, I'm finally going to be getting a Warner Marine H2X to replace it. We'll see how that goes. I may either realize that the Remora was a total piece of junk, or it was way better than I realized!
If you're looking for a dead-simple skimmer to setup... go with the Remora. There's no air intake to fiddle with... just plug it in and adjust the height of the collection cup. No muss, no fuss. But I haven't heard much bad about the Reef Octopus either - but you do have to fiddle with air intake.
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