Aquatrance 2000s Skimmer Pump is the a dc alternative?

Aug 31, 2017
Michael Svadlenak wrote
Thank you
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17 Answers
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Sep 01, 2017
Jeremy Rykiel agent wrote
The Reef Octopus Varios 2S is comparable DC alternative to the Aquatrance 2000s: http://www.coralvue.com/varios-2s-controllable-skimmer-pump
Sep 01, 2017
Michael Svadlenak wrote
Would this be a good upgrade? This is on a 80 gallon cube with very little space in the sump? Tank is SPS dominant!

Thank you
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Sep 01, 2017
Carlos agent wrote
Hard to tell. Really only you can answer the question since you know how much space you have in the sump. The page Jeremy linked you to has all the specs for the pump.
Sep 01, 2017
Michael Svadlenak wrote
It will fit just wanted to know it its really worth it. I can get a new skimmer for a few 100 more!
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Sep 01, 2017
Carlos agent wrote
Having a DC pump allows you to better control the skimmer in addition to just the gate valve. Also DC pumps are very quiet and they are super efficient when it comes to power consumption. After that, it is up to you and your budget.
Sep 01, 2017
Michael Svadlenak wrote
Thank you I will look at it further! I saw the new octopus 150 sss is out there but it 700 dollars! I was wondering if the upgrade to the dc pump would get me basically the same performance by just adding the pump. I like that it is Apex compatible because thats whit i am running on my tank. I am getting the Red Sea REEFERâ„¢ Peninsula Concept for my office and would like to keep my home reef as efficient as possible at the cheapest cost since I will be setting the big tank up shortly!

Thank you
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Sep 01, 2017
Carlos agent wrote
What skimmer model do you currently have?
Sep 01, 2017
Michael Svadlenak wrote
I have the Octopus Classic 160INT.
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Sep 01, 2017
Carlos agent wrote
The Various pump is not compatible with the CLSC-160INT. The reason is the size of the pump wont fit under the skimmer like the Aquatrance pump does.
Sep 03, 2017
Michael Svadlenak wrote
I measured the 2000 and they appear to be the same size based on the specs.
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Sep 05, 2017
Carlos agent wrote
The manufacturer has informed me that the pump won't work with that skimmer but if you are willing to give it a try, it is up to you. Please know that there is a 10% restocking fee for returning a pump when there is nothing wrong with it.
Sep 05, 2017
Michael Svadlenak wrote
Ok I will just go with what I have until I replace the skimmer!
Apr 04, 2019
Bobby Severance wrote
I am interested in the same idea of upgrading an Aquatrance 2000s to the Reef Octopus Varios 2S. I have the RO NWB 150 INT (I think). It's definitely an older RO 150 INT model however has a
Apr 04, 2019
Bobby Severance wrote
My mistake, I do not have the Aquatrance 2000s pump. I have a Bubble Blaster 2000 Pinwheel Pump on my NWB 150 INT that was installed as a replacement +/- 2 years ago.
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Apr 09, 2019
Carlos agent wrote
Bubble Blaster pumps are some of the best pumps in the market so going from a Bubble Blaster to a VarioS pump would be a lateral move in terms of just water injection efficiency.

If you are also looking for more controllability and ability to connect the pump to a 3rd party controller to lower or increase the speed then yes, the VarioS pump would definitely be an upgrade and would allow you to do what you need.

Most hobbyist that have been in the hobby for a long time DO NOT shut off the skimmer when they feed the tank. The skimmer will not pull the food out of the water in large quantities to make a difference. In reality, skimmer pumps do not like to be turned ON/OFF. They perform better when they are left along working 24/7 and only turning them OFF when you perform your regular maintenance.
Apr 09, 2019
Bobby Severance wrote
Thank you. I'm agree, however it continuously bubbles over quickly so I've had to do that or empty the cup every 5 minutes. Sometimes however, I just offset the cup to allow the cup to catch only part of the bubbles with the rest going back into the sump. I'm working to resolve.
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Apr 09, 2019
Carlos agent wrote
If the skimmer is continuously overflowing then you are running it too deep or you are running the water level inside the skimmer too high.