We extensively tested this protein skimmer, the Octo Elite 200-S, and measured everything measurable: simply a beast. It’s hard to do better.
Octo, previously known as Reef Octopus, is a Singapore-based company particularly well-known and appreciated in the United States. The skimmer we have here, the Octo Elite 200-S, is one of the largest in their catalog, in the Elite configuration, which is space-saving because it mounts the pump internally in an inverted setup. One unique aspect of this company is that it is practically the only one that designs and manufactures both the pump and the skimmer itself, especially when we talk about these beasts for marine aquariums over 1,000 liters.
The skimmer is monstrously solid, built without any flaws, using excellent materials, mainly acrylic with some red and white PVC details, reflecting the brand’s colors. The skimmer uses the classic single-pump conical body configuration.
Technical Specifications for Octo Elite 200-S Skimmer
- Recommended marine aquarium size: up to 1,500 liters;
- Skimmer pump: Octo VarioS 4-S;
- Air intake: 1,500 l/h (we will measure this);
- Water flow: 1,600 l/h;
- Power consumption: 40 watts;
- Dimensions: Footprint 32.5×25.5 cm;
- Cylinder diameter: 20 cm;
- Height: 60 cm;
- Recommended water level: not stated (we recommend 20 cm);
- Cost: approximately 980 euros.
Our video on the Octo Elite 200-S skimmer
We thoroughly tested and measured this skimmer. Along with Simone, we discussed it in our video and showed the various measurements.
Construction
The skimmer is constructed almost perfectly. We found no flaws. We could say that this is the perfect skimmer from a construction standpoint. Heavy, solid, and damn well built. There are no metal parts, only plastic screws.
The single-pump setup makes the Octo Elite 200-S skimmer more dependent on the water level in the sump, which we recommend to be 20 cm. All the measurements you will see later were made with this water height. The single pump draws water externally, mixes it with air, and then pushes it down into the skimmer cone with a rotational movement. Watch the video to get an idea. The bubbles then rise through the skimmer body and exit at the top into the collection cup. The skimming action is as it should be. Absolutely fantastic.
The skimmer body has a diameter of about 20 cm, tapering as it goes up toward the collection cup. The height is 60 cm including the cup.
Assembling the Octo Elite 200-S skimmer is very simple. The cup slides in and locks in place with a twist. Two hands are required to do this.
At the bottom of the cup base, there is a hole that allows for the removal of skimmate without removing the cup. The included tube is quite long and has a containment cap. I would have preferred a tap, and I anticipate this as a nearly zero-cost modification we will surely make on our test unit.
Octo VarioS 4S Pump and Adjustment
As mentioned, the skimmer pump is an Octo VarioS 4S, rated for a maximum flow of 1,600 l/h, adjustable via its controller, with a brush impeller.
The pump is adjustable via a small control panel and also comes with a float for overflow prevention. This way, the skimmer doesn’t suffer from sudden floods and won’t dump its contents into the sump. A great feature.
The output is… a bit low. I would have preferred it to be high, but even so, I prefer it to completely submerged outlets. To adjust the skimmer, rotate the red output pipe. This adjusts the output, raising or lowering the water level in the skimmer body.
The article continues on page two with operation, performance, our field measurements, and our conclusions.
