Open Box Item
Octo Classic 100 HOB Protein Skimmer (OPEN BOX)
SKU: OB-CLSC-100HOB
- The Reef Octopus Classic 100-HOB is an entry-level hang-on-back protein skimmer rated for marine aquariums up to 105 gallons.
- It requires no sump; the unit hangs directly on the back or side of the tank and draws power from the included Aquatrance 1000s pinwheel pump.
- The pump mounts externally on the skimmer body rather than submerged inside it, keeping heat and noise isolated from the skimmer chamber.
- At 8" x 3.25" with a 17" total height, it fits most standard aquarium rim profiles without modification.
Reef Octopus
Globally trusted for premium protein skimmers and pumps, engineered in-house for unmatched reef filtration performance.
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Open box: new, inspected, ready to use
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FREE Shipping on orders over $75.00
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Backed by a 90-Day Warranty
Hang-On-Back Protein Skimmer for Marine Aquariums Up to 105 Gallons
The Reef Octopus Classic 100-HOB is an entry-level skimmer for reef and saltwater tanks up to 105 gallons without a sump. It mounts on the tank's back or side using included hardware and runs on the external Reef Octopus Aquatrance 1000s needle-wheel pump. This design keeps heat away from the chamber and allows easy maintenance. The pump draws 420 LPH of air and 350 LPH of water at 9W, creating fine bubbles that carry waste to the collection cup, which is easy to remove for cleaning. Made from clear acrylic, the skimmer offers full visibility, and installation is simple: hang it, connect the pump, adjust the water level, and wait 2-4 weeks for break-in.
Bioload Handling:
The bioload of an aquarium refers to its ability to process waste in proportion to tank volume. Protein skimmers work best when properly matched with the bioload of the system.
(EXCLUDING SUMP)
- Heavy Bioload: 55 gallons
- Medium Bioload: 75 gallons
- Light Bioload: 105 gallons
Key Features:
- Hang-on-back installation requires no sump — mounts on the back or side of any standard aquarium.
- External pump mounting (Aquatrance 1000s) isolates pump heat from the skimmer chamber and improves pump accessibility for maintenance.
- Aquatrance 1000s pinwheel pump draws 420 LPH air / 350 LPH water at 9 watts for consistent bubble production.
- Included air silencer reduces intake noise for quieter operation.
- Clear acrylic construction throughout for full visibility of skimmer performance.
- Easy-remove collection cup for routine cleaning.
Ideal For:
- Reef and saltwater aquariums from 55 to 105 gallons running without a sump.
- Hobbyists setting up their first protein skimmer who want a complete, no-sump-required solution at an accessible price point.
- Tanks where sump space is unavailable but professional-grade skimming performance is still a priority.
Pro Tips:
- Allow two to four weeks for break-in before fine-tuning. New skimmers — especially pinwheel designs — go through a conditioning period where the pump surfaces and skimmer body develop a biofilm that stabilizes bubble production. During break-in the skimmate will likely be wet and light-colored. Set the water level adjustment to mid-range and leave it alone for the first two weeks before making changes.
- Keep the Aquatrance 1000s air intake clear. The external pump mounting makes it easy to check and clean the venturi air intake regularly. A partially blocked intake reduces air draw and noticeably drops skimming performance without any other obvious symptoms. The included air silencer should be removed and rinsed periodically.
- Match the skimmer to your actual bioload, not just tank volume. A heavily stocked fish-only tank at 75 gallons will push this skimmer harder than a lightly stocked reef at 105. Use the bioload table above as your primary sizing reference, not the maximum tank rating.
What's Included:
- Classic 100-HOB skimmer body (acrylic)
- Aquatrance 1000s pinwheel pump (external mount)
- Intake strainer
- Mounting hardware
- Air silencer
- Setup instructions
- Assembly diagram
Specifications:
- Tank Rating: Up to 105 gallons (light bioload); 75 gallons (medium); 55 gallons (heavy)
- Footprint: 8" x 3.25"
- Total Height: 17"
- Installation: Hang-on-back (rear or side tank mounting)
- Sump Required: No
- Included Pump: Reef Octopus Aquatrance 1000s
- Pump Wattage: 9W (60Hz)
- Pump Air Draw: 420 LPH / 15 SCFH
- Pump Water Draw: 350 LPH / 92 GPH
- Pump Type: Needle-wheel pinwheel
- Body Material: High-quality acrylic
WARRANTY
CoralVue, Inc. hereby guarantees this product to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of:
- 90-days
- Warranty is activated on the date of purchase.
This Standard Limited Warranty applies and is limited as follows:
- To the product only as long as it remains in the possession of the original purchaser.
- To the product that has not been subject to accident, misuse or abuse.
- To the product that has not been modified, altered, defaced, or had repairs made or attempted by other than CoralVue, Inc.
- That CoralVue be immediately notified in writing within ten (10) days of first knowledge of defect by owner or his agent.
- That CoralVue, Inc. shall be given first opportunity to make any repairs, replacements or corrections to the defective construction within a reasonable period of time.
- Under no circumstances shall CoralVue and/or the Manufacturer be liable by virtue of this warranty or otherwise for damage to any person or property whatsoever for any special, indirect, secondary or consequential damages of any nature however arising out of the use or inability to use because of the product defect.
Instructions:
- Hang the skimmer body on the back or side rim of the aquarium using the included mounting hardware. Ensure the skimmer body is level and the water intake is positioned below the aquarium's water surface.
- Attach the Aquatrance 1000s pump to the external pump mount on the skimmer body. Connect the pump's outlet to the skimmer body inlet.
- Attach the air silencer to the pump's air intake.
- Plug the pump into a standard outlet and allow the skimmer body to fill with water.
- Adjust the water level inside the skimmer body using the outlet pipe or adjustment collar. Start at the mid-range setting.
- Allow two to four weeks for break-in. During this period, skimmate output will likely be light and wet — this is normal as the pump and body surfaces condition.
- Once broken in, fine-tune the internal water level: raise it for drier, darker skimmate; lower it for wetter output. Clean the collection cup as needed and rinse the air silencer periodically.





