Oct 19, 2016
Lisa
wrote
I have a Reef Octopus CLSC-152S skimmer. It barely fits in my skimmer area. It is for a brand new build (90gl/heavy bioload) so I have not run it yet. I would like to know if I can change the pump out to a RO VarioS-2 or -4 skimmer pump? I like the control and float switch functionality and have an APEX.
If not, then my next question would be that I now see a Reef Octopus Regal 150SSS is available. In the pictures it shows the float switch hooked up to the skimmer cup (looks modified). But in another picture the skimmer cup lid looks like a regular one. Before I do something silly and buy another RO skimmer sight unseen, I need to know if the float switch comes with the modified lid shown or is that a separate item that is available and how much? Or is that picture something else completely? This skimmer has good reviews and will fit my sump area better, but the float switch in cup would be the only rational reason to purchase a $450 item vs switching my current skimmer out with a VarioS pump (if it fits). Help.
If not, then my next question would be that I now see a Reef Octopus Regal 150SSS is available. In the pictures it shows the float switch hooked up to the skimmer cup (looks modified). But in another picture the skimmer cup lid looks like a regular one. Before I do something silly and buy another RO skimmer sight unseen, I need to know if the float switch comes with the modified lid shown or is that a separate item that is available and how much? Or is that picture something else completely? This skimmer has good reviews and will fit my sump area better, but the float switch in cup would be the only rational reason to purchase a $450 item vs switching my current skimmer out with a VarioS pump (if it fits). Help.
Reply
2 Answers
Oct 20, 2016
Carlos
agent
wrote
No, since the pump is inside the skimmer, the new VarioS pumps will not fit on the CLSC-152S skimmer. The VarioS pump is too big to fit inside the skimmer chamber.
The new Regal skimmers do come with the float switch. The problem is that some retailers out there have not updated their product pictures which has caused some confusion among customers. But the skimmers with the VarioS pump do come with a float switch. In terms of availability, CoralVue is a distributor so we do not sell direct. You would have to contact an online retailer to purchase the skimmer. Luckily, Reef Octopus is a major brand that is carried by all major online retailers.
The new Regal skimmers do come with the float switch. The problem is that some retailers out there have not updated their product pictures which has caused some confusion among customers. But the skimmers with the VarioS pump do come with a float switch. In terms of availability, CoralVue is a distributor so we do not sell direct. You would have to contact an online retailer to purchase the skimmer. Luckily, Reef Octopus is a major brand that is carried by all major online retailers.
Oct 20, 2016
Lisa
wrote
In the pics of the Regal (w Varios) there are two images shown. One is a closeup with the float attached to a skimmer cup lid. It looks modified for that float switch. The other image shows just a flat top on the skimmer cup. Can I attach the included float switch to that lid right out of the box or do I have to buy a new lid or DIY parts? That part is unclear. I would probably buy the Regal to get the DC pump and if the float readily attaches to the cup lid. Cannot find documentation that clarifies this.
And you are right, trying to buy this right now is confusing because most retailers show another controller and pump combo for the RO Regal 150SSS. They are losing sales because I am not willing to chance the hassle of returning a non-VarioS skimmer.
And you are right, trying to buy this right now is confusing because most retailers show another controller and pump combo for the RO Regal 150SSS. They are losing sales because I am not willing to chance the hassle of returning a non-VarioS skimmer.