which hang on back skimmer ?

[melbfish20]

I am planing on purchasing a hang on back protein skimmer in the next few weeks and I am tossing up between 3 diffrent brands aqua-c, octopus and deltec

the prices in australian dollars are
aqua-c $230 (without pump)
octopus $280
deltec $350

please tell if you have had any experience with these three brands or if you are aware of another good HOB skimmer

cheers

[The Wedge]

I am a big fan of the AquaC Remora...that is what I was gonna go for before my Tunze. Deltec and Octopus are really nice. I would read the varying reviews on each and also picture how each would look on your tank.

[AABatteries]

What size tank is the skimmer going on? Also I would go with the octopus.

[jimpierce]

I've been using [Only Registered Users Can See Links.] for the last year and it works real well. I do believe it is a lesser unit as it is much cheaper then those.

[melbfish20]

What size tank is the skimmer going on? Also I would go with the octopus.

its going on 55 G tank

[oldhead]

Which model Octo? I have one on my tank currently and love it.

[melbfish20]

Which model Octo? I have one on my tank currently and love it.

Octopus Module 350 Combo

the deltec one is the mce 300
aquac - AquaC Remora Pro

[melbfish20]

this might be the proper name for the octopus Model: Octopus BH-100F

[The Wedge]

If the AquaC Pro is known to do a good job...I would not spend anymore than i had too. Still at 230+ dollars I would say you're not skimping on the skimmer. I know they all do an awesome job the next thing to ponder...is noise. See if any are silent running...I know the Remora can be somewhat noisy. If the Oldhead says Octopus...I would take his word...He's usually right as rainthumbs2:

[melbfish20]

people seem to either say they love their skimmer or that they want to take it back.choosing a skimmer IMO is the hardest part of equipment to decide on when setting up a SW tank

[The Wedge]

people seem to either say they love their skimmer or that they want to take it back.choosing a skimmer IMO is the hardest part of equipment to decide on when setting up a SW tank
Yeah, I took several back until my Tunze...It works both efficiently and quietly. Yeah, definitely a crucial component...ran without one for months...just wish I would have grabbed it sooner

[oldhead]

In your list I can tell you the Deltec will win hands down. The other 2 are tied imho.

[melbfish20]

what is the diffrence between a middle range brand such as octopus and a top brand such as deltec ?

I am now looking at purchasing a larger hang on back skimmer that I can use when I end up upgrading to a larger tank.The larger octopus model will cost me $320 and the deltec MCE 600 will cost me $540

will the deltec perform 50% better ?
will the deltec be much quiter ?
will the deltec last longer ?
will the deltec be easier to maintain ?