Octo VarioS 4S Controllable Skimmer Pump
SKU: VARIOS-4S
- Controllable DC Technology: Operates on a safe, energy-efficient 24V DC motor architecture, giving you 5 preset speed levels to precisely tune your skimmer's air-to-water ratio.
- High-Volume Air Fractionating: Equipped with a specialized pinwheel impeller that pulls up to 1500 L/H (52 SCFH) of air for thick, aggressive organic waste extraction.
- Safety Float Switch Included: Outfitted with a plug-and-play water level float sensor that can be mounted in your skimmer cup to instantly trigger an auto-shutdown before an overflow occurs.
- Universal 0-10V Automation: Built-in 0-10V input port enables direct external control by systems like the Neptune Apex or CoralVue HYDROS without extra modules.
- Rotatable Output Volute: The directional pump volute can be rotated in 90-degree intervals to support vertical or horizontal plumbing configurations inside tight sump chambers.
- True Slow Startup Profile: Implements a protective 10-second electronic ramp-up from zero RPM to full assigned speed to prevent a sudden foam surge from flooding the collection cup.
Reef Octopus
Globally trusted for premium protein skimmers and pumps, engineered in-house for unmatched reef filtration performance.
Reef Octopus VarioS 4S Controllable DC Pinwheel Skimmer Pump
The Reef Octopus VarioS 4S Skimmer Pump (SKU: OCT-VARIOS4-S) is a premium, variable-speed direct current (DC) pinwheel fractionating pump engineered to deliver silent, ultra-efficient performance for mid-to-large size protein skimmers. Traditional alternating current (AC) legacy skimmer pumps run at a single, rigid speed, forcing hobbyists to rely solely on physical water height adjustments or air valves to tune their skimmer's foam level. The VarioS 4S revolutionizes this process by utilizing an intelligent 24V brushless motor core. Pushing up to 422 GPH of water while pulling an impressive 1500 L/H of air, this highly responsive pump allows you to electronically fine-tune your skimmer's internal water line and foam density with the press of a button.
The defining operational distinction of the VarioS 4S is its specialized Integrated Safety & Automation Controller. Outfitted with an external control pad, the pump allows users to step through 5 distinct speed modes and cycle through dual independent feed/pause delays (15 or 60 minutes) to keep the skimmer offline during livestock feeding or water changes. For ironclad system safety, Reef Octopus bundles an electronic float switch sensor that plugs straight into the controller housing. By mounting this sensor inside your skimmer's collection cup or waste collector, the pump will instantly shut down the moment the cup fills with liquid skim, mitigating the messy threat of a collection cup overflow. Hand-machined with a high-purity ceramic shaft and matching bearing to optimize long-term friction resistance, the VarioS 4S is the definitive upgrade for low-maintenance, crystal-clear reef aquariums.
Key Features
Intelligent Central Integration: The onboard 0-10V connection turns the controller into a clean translation interface, letting centralized apps dictate variable speed profiles or custom feed-pause delays.
Rotatable Directional Volute: Effortlessly accommodates tight skimmer bodies or narrow sump layouts by altering the physical output path to point up, down, or sideways.
Premium Venturi Assembly: Ships complete with a high-efficiency venturi air intake throat and silicone airline tubing to maximize smooth micro-bubble production.
Thermal Protection Failsafes: Built-in internal cooling channels maintain continuous temperature normalization across the rotor to guard against overheating.
Memory Function Restoration: Retains its exact pre-configured speed stage and operational logic even if an unexpected residential power outage cuts the main grid line.
Ideal Replacement/Upgrade Compatibility
Classic Series: Classic 200INT, XS200
Diablo Series: Diablo DCS 170INT, DCS 200INT, RDCS 2000EXT*, XS200
Super Reef Octopus (SRO) Series: SRO-2000EXT, SRO-3000INT, SRO-3000EXT*
XP Series: XP2000EXT, XP3000EXT, RDCS 200EXT
Regal: 200INT, 200SSS
Elite: 200INT, 200SSS, POV-DC2*
(Note: Some legacy or specific skimmer models may require an additional conversion adapter part or custom PVC volute to link the pump output to the skimmer body plumbing, sold separately)
System Capacity Handling
Heavy Demand (Packed SPS Reef): 80 – 200 Gallons
Medium Demand (Mixed Reef): 250 – 350 Gallons
Light Demand (Fish-Only Display): 400 – 500+ Gallons
What’s Included:
(1) Reef Octopus VarioS 4S Pinwheel Skimmer Pump
(1) Detached Multi-Function 5-Speed Controller with Mount
(1) Safety Waste Level Float Switch Sensor
(1) High-Efficiency Venturi Air Intake Attachment
(1) Clear Silicone Airline Tubing
(1) 24V Power Supply Unit (PSU) with Cable
(1) 1 in Output Union Fitting Assembly (32mm)
Technical Specs:
Model Name / SKU: VarioS 4S / OCT-VARIOS4-S
Maximum Volumetric Flow Output: 422 GPH
Maximum Air Intake Draw: 1500 L/H (52 SCFH)
Peak Electrical Power Draw: 40 Watts
Operating Voltage Matrix: 24V DC
Inlet Thread Size: 1-1/4 in Male
Output Thread Size: 1 in Male (Includes 32mm slip union)
Pump Body Dimensions: 5.7 in L x 4.75 in W x 4 in H
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.
- Align the rotatable volute housing to match the intake path of your specific protein skimmer body and hand-tighten the structural compression lock collar.
- Securely thread the included venturi air intake attachment onto the 1-1/4 inch pump inlet throat, and hook up the clear silicone airline.
- Seat the pump inside your skimmer base or external plumbing mount, using the provided 1-inch output union assembly to establish a watertight seal.
- Mount the detached VarioS control cradle onto a dry wall panel inside your equipment stand, away from potential water spray zones.
- Thread the waterproof 3-conductor pump lead and the safety float switch line into the base sockets of the controller interface.
- Install the safety float switch inside the lid of your collection cup or external waste collector, connect the 24V power brick to a GFCI wall outlet, and select your initial speed setting.
Pro Tips:
- Utilize the Cup Failsafe. Take full advantage of the included float switch by mounting it directly through the lid of your skimmer's collection cup. If your skimmer suddenly reacts to a new epoxy, filter sock change, or water additive and begins to violently overflow with clear water, the rising fluid will lift the float sensor, instantly shutting down the pump and preventing nasty skim from draining right back into your clean sump.
- Keep the Venturi Clear. Because skimmer pumps pull continuous air through salt water, salt creep and calcium scale love to crystallize inside the tiny venturi air injection nozzle over time. If you notice a drop in micro-bubble production or an unexpected rise in the skimmer's internal water level, remove the air hose and dip the venturi nipple into a small cup of warm RO/DI water to instantly dissolve the hidden salt blockage.
- Don't Twist the Cord Connector. The connection between the skimmer pump wire and the external controller uses a specialized waterproof union plug. When marrying these two lines together during your initial setup, align the internal keyway pins straight and press them firmly together before screwing down the outer protective plastic locking collar. Forcing or twisting the cord connection while pushing can bend the fine conductive pins, permanently ruining the electrical path.