Octo VarioS 6S Controllable Skimmer Pump
SKU: VARIOS-6S
- Controllable DC Technology: Advanced 36V variable-speed motor block allows precision electronic regulation over gas fractionation and fluid turnover metrics.
- High-Density Pinwheel Rotor Array: Outfitted with a specialized multi-point pin matrix engineered explicitly to shred drawn atmospheric air into a hyper-dense column of microbubbles.
- Massive Gas Induction Delivery: Pulls up to 2,000 LPH (70SCFH) of raw atmospheric air while moving up to 528 GPH (2,000LPH) of water volume for heavy organic extraction.
- True Slow-Start Protection Logic: Programmed with an internal soft-ramp profile that smoothly transitions the motor from zero to set speed over 10 seconds to prevent line shock and collection cup overflowing.
- Integrated Sump Failsafe Link: Includes a plug-and-play connection terminal for a mechanical water-level float switch sensor, instantly halting pump execution during cup overflow thresholds.
- 0-10V Third-Party Automation Pass: Built with an analog input port allowing external aquarium automation networks like the HYDROS platform or Neptune Apex to assume full variable-speed command.
Reef Octopus
Globally trusted for premium protein skimmers and pumps, engineered in-house for unmatched reef filtration performance.
Reef Octopus VarioS-6S Controllable DC Variable-Speed Protein Skimmer Pump
The Reef Octopus VarioS-6S Controllable Skimmer Pump (SKU: VarioS-6S) is an authentic factory-spec replacement or upgrade fractionating engine distributed by CoralVue to deliver exceptional gas fractionation, heavy waste extraction, and whisper-quiet performance to high-capacity filtration networks. Operating on a robust 36-volt DC current loop, this flagship skimmer pump sits at the absolute pinnacle of variable-speed marine filtration technology. While typical AC-powered skimmer motors operate at a fixed, unalterable speed—forcing hobbyists to constantly struggle with manual plumbing gate valves—the VarioS-6S utilizes an advanced digital control module to adjust the engine's internal rotational velocity directly down to the precise RPM required.
At the core of the pump’s structural architecture is an open-chamber volute backed by a dynamically balanced magnetic pinwheel rotor. As raw sump water and atmospheric air are drawn through the specialized high-vacuum venturi nozzle, the spinning pin cluster forcefully slices the gas pockets into a hyper-saturated mist of microscopic bubbles, optimizing waste-binding contact times inside the skimmer body. The unit is encapsulated in an inert, saltwater-safe polymer matrix that isolates the high-flux internal magnets from corrosion, blistering, and swelling. Whether you are seeking to replace an aging engine block or upgrade a traditional AC skimmer system to intelligent DC automation, this genuine original factory module establishes a completely stable, ultra-quiet foundation for your reef’s primary organic filtration.
Key Features
Five-Speed Manual Presets: The included tactile membrane touchpad provides immediate access to five pre-calibrated speed brackets, indicated by bright blue diagnostic LEDs.
Dual-Interval Feed/Maintenance Timers: Integrated pause windows allow you to halt bubble production for either 15-minute target-feeding sequences or 60-minute equipment maintenance blocks.
Ceramic Axle & Floating Bushings: Polished ceramic shafting combined with high-durometer rubber dampening boots limits heat transfer and dampens rotational frequencies to stop low-end harmonic humming.
System Settings Memory Save: Equipped with internal non-volatile memory that saves your selected operational velocity during power outages, ensuring safe filtration resumption when power is restored.
Verified Hardware Compatibility
Reef Octopus Skimmer Formats: Serves as the default native factory pump engine block for modern Regal 250S, Regal 250INT, Regal 250EXT, Elite 220S, Elite 220INT, and Elite 220EXT protein skimmers.
This pump can be retrofitted to fit Classic OTP Skimmers(Only the OTP-GT pump models)
NWB250*
*There is an additional part needed to convert the pump to the skimmer body for some models that must be requested at the time of purchase due to the added cost of the part.
What’s Included:
(1) Reef Octopus VarioS-6S Controllable DC Skimmer Pump Motor Block
(1) VarioS-6 Advanced Variable-Speed Pump Controller Module
(1) High-Volume Straight Air Induction Venturi Nozzle Adapter
(1) Low-Voltage Mechanical Water-Level Safety Float Switch Sensor
(1) 36V AC/DC Power Supply Transformer Brick with Wall Cord
(1) Protective Intake Strainer Screen Shield Cap
Technical Specs:
Official Manufacturing Title: Reef Octopus VarioS-6S Controllable Skimmer Pump
SKU / Factory Identifier: VarioS-6S
Operating Input Voltage: 36V DC
Maximum Power Consumption: 60 Watts at Peak Level 5 Output
Maximum Air Draw Volume: 2,000 Liters Per Hour (70SCFH)
Maximum Water Intake Volume: 528 Gallons Per Hour (2,000LPH)
Motor Block Connection Profile: 3-Conductor Over-Molded Waterproof Locking Extension Cord
WARRANTY
CoralVue, Inc. and Reef Octopus hereby guarantee this product to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of:
- Five (5) year warranty on pump body/housing
- Three (3) year warranty on Reef Octopus-branded controller
- One (1) year warranty on Power Supply, Impeller (and components), Rotor, Rear Bushing, and Gaskets
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.
- Turn off your old pump controller and disconnect the power supply from the wall socket to completely eliminate live electricity before handling your filtration equipment.
- Remove your protein skimmer from the sump chamber, loosen any structural connection collars or intake adapters, and slide the old pump off the base tracking rails.
- Align your new VarioS-6S pump block with the molded mounting rails native to your skimmer baseplate (or attach your specific space-saver slide plate if working on an internal "SSS" configuration).
- Slide the pump forward to tightly connect its discharge nozzle to the skimmer's main intake bulkhead diffuser plate, and push your flexible silicone air line onto the vertical venturi hose barb.
- Place the skimmer back into the sump reservoir, route the waterproof multi-pin motor cable to a dry mounting zone, and plug it securely into the bottom jack of the VarioS controller.
- Connect the 36V power transformer brick to the controller, plug the wall cord into the electrical socket, select your starting speed setting, and adjust your skimmer's water line to settle the foam.
Pro Tips:
- Never Hook or Unhook the Main Motor Cord While Power is Live. Whenever you take the skimmer pump offline for seasonal maintenance or impeller inspections, always unplug the primary 36V transformer brick from the wall outlet before unscrewing the multi-pin motor cord from the base of the controller. Uncoupling or plugging the heavy motor line while the driver is receiving live 36V current can cause an instantaneous micro-arc across the electrical pins. This voltage spike can easily burn out the sensitive electronic logic board inside, instantly ruining your controller.
- Perform a Regular Citric Acid Soak to Prevent Pinwheel Imbalance. Because skimmer pumps actively blend raw atmospheric air into warm, highly concentrated saltwater streams, they experience an accelerated rate of calcium carbonate and magnesium mineral precipitation. Over time, rock-hard scale will build up along the spinning needlewheel and inside the ceramic bearing sleeve. Left uncleaned, this rough crust creates heavy friction that slows your pump and causes operational tremors. Every 3 to 4 months, submerge the wet-end assembly in a warm bath of citric acid powder to dissolve mineral scale safely.
- Always Position the Smart Float Switch in Your Collection Cup or Sump. Take full advantage of the included safety float switch sensor by installing it directly inside your skimmer's collection cup lid or matching waste collector chamber. Once hooked into the controller's side port, this switch acts as an immediate physical safeguard. If your skimmer over-activates or begins overflowing due to tank dosing or water changes, the rising fluid lifts the switch, cutting power to the 36V motor instantly. This prevents highly concentrated skimmate waste from polluting your display tank.