Need new skimmer pump

Jul 04, 2014

Rupe wrote

I have a Reef Octopus OCTX-160 on my 75 gallon reef. I've had it for a little over 4 years. It came with a PSK-2500, which I assume is made by Sicce. A little over a year after I received the pump, I had an issue starting the pump after I unplugged it. I had to made sure all the water was out of the skimmer and plug it in prior to putting it back in the water. This continued to happen for 3 years until the pump seized up. I cleaned it and tried everything with no success. I had another PSK-2500 as a backup which I then started using. Three months after, the second pump wouldn't start when it was in the water and I plugged it in and 11 months after I started using it, it also seized up and will not start. I need a new skimmer pump ASAP. I was wondering which replacement pump is good and fits my skimmer. I do not want another PSK-2500, as they had too many problems. I know Sicce also makes the PSK 600 and 1000 but I'm not sure I want another Sicce pump due to the issues I had with them and how frustrating it got to be. I want something that isn't too big since my sump is not that large. Also many pump don't fit by skimmer as the input to the skimmer is larger than most outputs of pumps and I don't want to have to rig something to get them to work. I just want something reliable that last a while and work well. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks and Happy 4th,
Rupe

5 Answers

Jul 07, 2014

Carlos agent wrote

Thank you for contacting us.

The only other non Sicce pump that would fit your skimmer would be the HY-2000S. You will need an adapter and the catch is that the pump would not sit below the skimmer but it would have to sit next to the skimmer.

http://www.coralvue.com/reef-octopus-bubble-blaster-2000-skimmer-pump

Best,

Jul 07, 2014

Carlos agent wrote

I am looking into another option for you that would be a little more economical but need to double check that we have the adapters have arrived from the manufacturer. I will let you know as soon as I hear something.

Jul 08, 2014

Carlos agent wrote

There is one more option. You can use the Aquatrance 2000S pump instead of a Sicce. It is a very reliable pump (we use it on all our Classic Skimmers) but not as expensive as the Bubble Blaster. You will need a $10 adapter which you can purchase at the same time you are purchasing the pump.

Here is the link to the pump and adapter...

http://www.coralvue.com/aquatrance-2000s-skimmer-pump

Jul 15, 2014

Rupe wrote

Last week I asked about a replacement skimmer pump for my Reef Octopus OCTX-160. I stated that I was unhappy with the PSK-2500 and had 2 go bad in 4 years and had start up issues the whole time. You stated that the Aquatrance-2000S would be a good choice. Now the max GPH is a lot less compared to the Sicce. Would it still work and give me good results in my 75 gallon reef? Also would it fit directly under the skimmer? And you stated that I would need an adapter but my skimmer model is not listed. Which one would I need?
Thanks for the help,
Rupe

Jul 15, 2014

Carlos agent wrote

Yes, the max GPH is lower than the Sicce but the efficiency of the pump is much higher and therefore it works correctly with your skimmer.

When purchasing the pump, just make sure that you select the adapter for the " Diablo XS 160" skimmer.