asm or octopus skimmer

torino06 · #1 07/30/2007, 06:35 PM

i believe i have narrowed my choice of skimmers down to the asm g2 and the octopus nw200. Anyone have any thoughts or input? i will have around 80 lbs of LR, 60 lbs of sand, and a decent load of fish.

bjkramer · #2 07/30/2007, 06:47 PM

I have an ASM G3 and it's great. I just reviewed it on my podcast.

dhnguyen · #3 07/30/2007, 07:26 PM

not even an eyeblink on this one definitely the Octopus NW200. Cheaper, better built, and work better.

torino06 · #4 07/30/2007, 07:28 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by dhnguyen
not even an eyeblink on this one definitely the Octopus NW200. Cheaper, better built, and work better.

have you ever had a asm tho?

torino06 · #5 07/30/2007, 08:27 PM

any1 else???

axia55 · #6 07/30/2007, 08:32 PM

Octopus, no brainer!

j tavares · #7 07/30/2007, 08:33 PM

I have both skimmers ASM and Octopus like them both for different reasons so here they are like the acrylic of octopus but like the ease of removal of the asm Skimmer cup not that octopus is hard. also like the ability to find replacement pumps easier for asm though octopus pumps are catching up , also like the modifications on the asm and you can get your hands inside easier on the asm compared to the octopus but having said that I think their both great skimmers that are reasonably priced for both novice and experienced aquarist cause I still cannot understand why the higher end skimmers are often more pricier than the tank and stands themselves but after 30 yrs as an aquarist I guess i am jaded somewhat it still really gets down to the careful husbandry of the dedicated aquarist. just my opinion.

dhnguyen · #8 07/30/2007, 08:33 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by torino06
have you ever had a asm tho?

No but I have seen the ASM in action side by side with an Octopus NW200

Just one good look and feel of the ASM was enough to tell me how crappy it is built.
For the price the ASM is going for nowadays you might as well get a EuroReef which is a better skimmer for a few extra dollars.

mkal16 · #9 07/30/2007, 08:43 PM

Octopus gets my vote too.

torino06 · #10 07/30/2007, 09:06 PM

this suprises me, i wonder if it's just an octopus group tonight?? does anyone know how much water the skimmer has to be summerged in?

aninjaatemyshoe · #11 07/30/2007, 09:20 PM

No, 90%+ of what I've read about ASM on RC is less than positive. Never owned one myself, but I'm willing to believe something when there is this much corroboration. If this is for your 72 gallon tank, I think you would be better served buying the DAS EX-1 (www.petorama.net or www.protein-skimmer.com) over the Octopus NW200. Recirculating needlewheel skimmers are so much better than regular needlewheels for many reasons - this is a good recirc. skimmer.

daytonreefRob · #12 07/30/2007, 09:45 PM

I like the bodies on the Octopus much better, I like the Sedra pumps that ASM uses better.

If I had to pick only one, I would chose the Octopus.

If you are going to get an ASM, get at least a G3, this is where the line "starts to come alive".

I have used both of these.

kodyboy · #13 07/30/2007, 09:56 PM

I would get a DAS ex-1 if I were you or the Octopus nw200, the asm is just not as good.

outy · #14 07/30/2007, 10:32 PM

octopus is a good cheap skimmer with great potential. you should be able to mod it easily and get atleast 30scfh for very little cash.

octo all the way

Ebisan · #15 07/30/2007, 11:07 PM

My ASM G1x has not been a great performer. My Seaclone was better in that it always produced consistent skimmate. I've done the venturi and mesh mod and it still isn't performing that great. I kind of want the BK mini but the price is a little too high.

dareefking · #16 07/31/2007, 01:12 AM

Well I just ordered an ASM G-4x, well see how it works on my 210. Hopefully I wont be disappointed, but from all the responses... who knows

jcarson999 · #17 07/31/2007, 07:19 AM

I currently have an Octopus on my 65g, and it's doing a pretty good job. I had an ASM G4 on my 210g that's waiting to be set up again after a move. I like the acrylic and workmanship better on the Octopus - feels much more sturdy. But the ASM G4 did a good job and I haven't had any problems with it. If I could get a good quality skimmer for the same price as the ASM I would, but wouldn't feel bad about getting another ASM either.

-jim

RichConley · #18 07/31/2007, 08:55 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by torino06
i believe i have narrowed my choice of skimmers down to the asm g2 and the octopus nw200. Anyone have any thoughts or input? i will have around 80 lbs of LR, 60 lbs of sand, and a decent load of fish.

Why do the G2 and the NW200 keep getting compared?

If you want to compare an ASM to a NW200, compare the G4+. The G2 is a tiny skimmer. The NW200 is a monster.

NW200: 8" diameter, 24" height, cast acrylic, $179
G4+ : 8" diameter, 24" height, extruded PVC, $419
RS180 : 8" diameter, 24" height, cast acrylic, $429

Why the heck would you buy an ASM? Its the worst skimmer of the bunch, and costs just as much as the ER.

The NW200 is made better, skims better, and is LESS THAN HALF THE PRICE.

torino06 · #19 07/31/2007, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by RichConley
Why do the G2 and the NW200 keep getting compared?

If you want to compare an ASM to a NW200, compare the G4+. The G2 is a tiny skimmer. The NW200 is a monster.

NW200: 8" diameter, 24" height, cast acrylic, $179
G4+ : 8" diameter, 24" height, extruded PVC, $419
RS180 : 8" diameter, 24" height, cast acrylic, $429

Why the heck would you buy an ASM? Its the worst skimmer of the bunch, and costs just as much as the ER.

The NW200 is made better, skims better, and is LESS THAN HALF THE PRICE.

WHERE DID U FIND THAT PRICE??

dhnguyen · #20 07/31/2007, 05:21 PM

http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merch...y_Code=Octopus

http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merch...egory_Code=ASM

http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merch...gory_Code=EURO

Regardless the ASM is way overpriced for the build quality and performance.

dhnguyen · #21 07/31/2007, 05:26 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by torino06
this suprises me, i wonder if it's just an octopus group tonight?? does anyone know how much water the skimmer has to be summerged in?

I have to say though, it seems like you're already made up your mind about the ASM based on your response above. If that's the case why even bother asking people what we think?

torino06 · #22 07/31/2007, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by dhnguyen
I have to say though, it seems like you're already made up your mind about the ASM based on your response above. If that's the case why even bother asking people what we think?

because i prob will not get the asm now.. if u look that was early in the convo... i respect people's opinions

torino06 · #23 08/01/2007, 09:33 AM

so now people have convinced me to get either the DAS or octopus, and im also looking at getting a re-circulating skimmer now also. is the Re-circulating that much better?

jgs107 · #24 08/01/2007, 09:46 AM

i have an asm g2 and for the first skimmer i have ever had it worked flawlessly.once tuned in it always produced skimmate.i have never messed with the rest of the skimmers you were talking about but i would like to one day bump up to a g4x or maybe even a bk if i can get the money for it

RichConley · #25 08/01/2007, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by jgs107
i have an asm g2 and for the first skimmer i have ever had it worked flawlessly.once tuned in it always produced skimmate.i have never messed with the rest of the skimmers you were talking about but i would like to one day bump up to a g4x or maybe even a bk if i can get the money for it

The G2 isnt bad, the problem is, the NW150 is BETTER, and much cheaper.

Seriously, dont waste your money on ASM. Theyre the worst performer in their price range, and the most expensive skimmer in their performance range. Theyre also built poorly, and leak.

When ASM was half the price of everyone else, they were a good deal. Theyre not anymore.