Reef Octopus Classic 110-EXT: Elevate Your Reef Tank with Powerful Protein Skimming
Update on Nov. 12, 2024, 2:55 p.m.
Maintaining pristine water quality is crucial for the health and vibrancy of any reef aquarium. A protein skimmer is an essential tool for achieving this, efficiently removing organic waste before it breaks down and pollutes the water. The Reef Octopus Classic 110-EXT is a powerful and reliable protein skimmer engineered to deliver exceptional performance and crystal-clear water for your thriving reef ecosystem.
Overview
The Reef Octopus Classic 110-EXT is a recirculating external protein skimmer, meaning it processes water outside of your main display tank. This design offers several advantages: increased contact time between water and air for enhanced skimming efficiency, a smaller footprint within the sump, and easier adjustment and maintenance. Crafted from high-quality cast acrylic, the 110-EXT is built to last and seamlessly integrates with your existing setup.
Design Philosophy - Efficiency and Control
Reef Octopus has a long-standing reputation for producing high-quality protein skimmers. The Classic 110-EXT embodies this commitment to excellence with a design focused on maximizing skimming efficiency and providing aquarists with precise control over the process.
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Recirculating Technology: This enhances performance and control by processing the water multiple times, increasing contact time for improved skimming.
- Further Explanation: Recirculating skimmers are known for their efficiency. By drawing water from the sump and passing it through the skimmer multiple times, the 110-EXT ensures that a greater percentage of organic waste comes into contact with air bubbles and is removed. This results in a significantly cleaner aquarium compared to traditional single-pass skimmers.
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Aquatrance 1000s Pump: This pump is specifically designed for protein skimmers, offering high performance and efficiency.
- Further Explanation: The Aquatrance 1000s pump utilizes a pinwheel impeller to generate a large volume of fine bubbles. These bubbles are crucial for attracting and trapping organic waste molecules. The pump’s energy efficiency (7 watts) also helps to minimize operating costs.
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Precision Control Valve: This allows for precise adjustment of water flow and skimming performance.
- Further Explanation: The precision gate valve on the 110-EXT gives you fine-grained control over the water level within the skimmer body. This is essential for dialing in the optimal skimming performance based on factors like your bioload, water chemistry, and type of corals.
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Bubble Diffusing Chamber: Ensures consistent and fine bubble production for optimal waste removal.
- Further Explanation: The bubble diffusing chamber helps to create a stable foam head within the skimmer. This consistent foam production is essential for efficient waste removal. A finer bubble size increases the surface area for organic waste to adhere to, improving the skimmer’s overall effectiveness.
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Oversized Air Silencer: Minimizes noise for a quieter aquarium environment.
- Further Explanation: One common complaint about protein skimmers is the noise they can produce. The 110-EXT addresses this with an oversized air silencer. This component helps to muffle the sound of air intake and bubble production, creating a more peaceful environment for both you and your aquarium inhabitants.
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Quick-Release Collection Cup: This simplifies maintenance with easy removal and cleaning.
- Further Explanation: Regular maintenance is crucial for optimal skimmer performance. The 110-EXT features a collection cup with a quick-release neck, making it easy to remove, empty, and clean. This convenient design encourages regular maintenance, which is essential for preventing clogs and ensuring consistent skimming efficiency.
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High-Quality Acrylic Construction: Durable and aesthetically pleasing.
- Further Explanation: The 110-EXT is constructed from high-quality cast acrylic, known for its clarity, durability, and resistance to saltwater corrosion. This ensures that the skimmer will maintain its structural integrity and aesthetic appeal over time, even in the demanding environment of a reef aquarium.
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External Placement: Frees up space within the sump and allows for easier access.
- Further Explanation: By placing the skimmer outside of the sump, the 110-EXT maximizes space within the sump for other equipment like refugiums or reactors. External placement also makes it easier to access and adjust the skimmer without disturbing the main display tank or other components within the sump.
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Compact Footprint: Suitable for various sump sizes.
- Further Explanation: Despite its powerful performance, the 110-EXT maintains a relatively compact footprint (10.4” x 9.25”). This makes it suitable for a variety of sump sizes and configurations, offering flexibility in your system design.
Conclusion
The Reef Octopus Classic 110-EXT Protein Skimmer is a powerful and reliable solution for maintaining pristine water quality in your reef aquarium. Its efficient recirculating design, combined with the Aquatrance 1000s pump and precision control valve, ensures optimal performance and crystal-clear water. Invest in the health and beauty of your reef with the Classic 110-EXT and enjoy the rewards of a thriving marine ecosystem.