ASM G-3 or Octopus NW 200?

[mdelcomyn]

I am in the market for a skimmer for my 120 (plus 30 gal sump and 30 gal refugium). Right now it is very lightly stocked, but will end up being moderately stocked. I would like to spend no more than about $250-275. I have seen/heard (mostly) good reports about both of these particular skimmers, but wanted some more feedback. This isn't a simple poll because I would like some personal experience notes if you have/had either one.
And yes, I am willing to do some mods.
Also, if you have a different suggestion in about that same price range (or a little up), please let me know.
Thanks much!

[Bebo77]

i would get the octopus and do the mesh mod to it...

[mdelcomyn]

Thanks for the response, Bebo77.
Anyone else?
I was leaning towards the ASM because it has the Sedra pump, which I have heard mostly good things about (regarding reliability), while I understand the Octopus has a proprietary pump which has been known to have more problems.

[mg426]

I have an ASM G3. It works pretty well, Its recirc and gate valve modded ,direct fed from my overflow.It also has a Euro reef pump/impellet. If I were buying a new skimmer and had to choose between the two, I would get the Octo NW 200. its an eight inch skimmer is built way better and costs less.

[glxtrix]

octo all the way. I have the NW150 and I LOVE IT!!! I can only imagine the 200 is just that much better. The pump is great, there are some mods you can do to it to make it a lil better. But mine makes super small bubbles and skims hard!

[saltysupply]

octopus has better reviews from what I have seen

[flyguy7150]

octo cuz thats wut i have....love it so far...think its done breaking in...foam production is great and still getting better 3rd week in i think

[luke33]

Octo's are better buildwise and have a much better sticker price. They are easily modded as well. The octo pump and sedra pump are not the best out there but both perform ok. For the price of the octo pump you get a whole lot more. The only thing i don't like about the octo's is they really restrict the flow and air with the elbo and venturi. But still there's no doubt its a much better deal than a asm.

[glxtrix]

you can drill the air line and get a new o ring from home depot and that will take care of air flow restriction on the octo pumps Do a google search or search on here, it was on RC I believe that I saw that.

[morishidle]

i would not go with octo because i have ordered 3 of them and all three have had the same problem the bodys and necks start to crack for no reason and also i have had an asm g3 on a 120 for three years and never had a problem i modded two ways i mesh modded it and also a little personal touch in side the skimmer it is hard to explain but i can shoot you a pic if you want

[glxtrix]

extruded acrylic cracking for no reason???? Interesting.

[luke33]

You mean cast acrylic ; ) If it were extruded, i wouldn't buy one.

Moorish, where did you get the octo's from, that s crazy and sux. I've only see one person with an octo build problem and it was resolved.

[glxtrix]

yes cast.....thats what I said...... thanks for catching that.

[mdelcomyn]

Thanks for all the replies.
moorish, I would like to see that pic if you can
I am now leaning strongly towards the octo, but keep the info coming!