Octo Classic 200INT Protein Skimmer
SKU: CLSC-200INT
- In-Sump Filtration: Heavy-capacity internal configuration designed to drop directly into large sump chambers, keeping plumbing concealed.
- Aquatrance 3000s Power: Driven by the highly reliable Aquatrance pinwheel pump, engineered to shred massive amounts of air and water into a fine mist.
- Hybrid Cone Taper: The large 8-inch cylindrical base transitions into a smooth conical neck to stabilize and concentrate foam for efficient organic export.
- Integrated Air Silencer: Features a dual-chamber air silencer that dampens suction noise, ensuring quiet performance beneath your cabinet.
- Precision Gate Valve: Outfitted with an easy-to-adjust, precision gate valve assembly for quick and fine-tuned control of the internal water column.
- Fully Disassembling Body: Designed for long-term maintenance with a body that can be completely disassembled for effortless deep cleaning.
In-Sump Protein Skimmer for Aquariums up to 250 Gallons with Aquatrance 3000s Pump
The Reef Octopus Classic 200-INT (SKU: CLSC-200INT) is a high-capacity, heavy-duty in-sump protein skimmer engineered to be the primary filtration engine for marine aquariums up to 265 gallons. Designed for hobbyists maintaining large reef or fish-only displays, the Classic 200-INT delivers industrial-strength nutrient export without a premium price tag. Powered by the robust Aquatrance 3000s pinwheel pump, this skimmer pulls a massive volume of air into its 8-inch reaction chamber, producing an ultra-dense cloud of micro-bubbles that traps dissolved organic compounds before they can break down into harmful nitrates and phosphates.
Constructed from high-grade cast acrylic, the Classic 200-INT features a specialized hybrid cone body shape. This gradual taper minimizes internal water turbulence as bubbles rise, allowing the foam column to steadily pack and dry out before pushing over the rim into the collection cup. An integrated bubble plate diffuser ensures that the turbulent water rushing from the pump is evenly distributed and calmed at the base of the chamber. Equipped with a precision gate valve output for seamless water level adjustments and a quick-release collection cup, this internal workhorse offers superior reliability for serious marine systems.
Key Features:
Generous In-Sump Footprint: Ideal for mid-to-large size sump filtration compartments with heavy biological filtration needs.
Aquatrance 3000s Pump: Draws an impressive 800 L/H of air while operating at an energy-efficient 20 Watts.
Bubble Diffuser Plate: Reduces chaotic internal churning to maximize structural foam stability in the neck.
Precision Gate Valve Control: Raised adjustment assembly allows you to surgically dial in the internal water level without splashing.
Twist & Lift Maintenance: Secure neck seal design allows the collection cup to be removed easily for routine cleaning.
Bioload Handling:
Heavy Bioload: 160 Gallons
Medium Bioload: 210 Gallons
Light Bioload: 265 Gallons
Ideal For:
- Reef and marine aquariums from 100 to 250 gallons needing a reliable, sump-based skimmer
- Well-stocked systems with heavy bioload where consistent skimmate production is a priority
- Builds where a quiet, energy-efficient skimmer pump matters
- Aquarists who want straightforward maintenance access via cup drain, quick-release neck, and union pump mount
- Sumps with 7.5-8.5in of available water depth in the skimmer chamber
Pro Tips:
- Match the skimmer to your actual bioload, not just tank volume. The 200-INT is rated to 250 gallons under light bioload, but only 150 gallons under heavy load. A heavily stocked SPS or fish-only system at 200 gallons may push the skimmer harder than a lightly stocked mixed reef at the same volume. Size for what you actually keep.
- Use the cup drain daily. The collection cup drain makes it easy to empty skimmate without pulling the cup. Running a short piece of tubing from the drain to a waste container means you can empty the cup on a regular schedule without touching the skimmer, which keeps skimmate from overflowing back into the sump.
- Allow break-in time before judging performance. New acrylic skimmers and new pinwheel pumps typically take a few days to a week to stabilize foam production. The gate valve adjustment during break-in period requires patience — small changes have a large effect. Set it conservatively for the first week and dial in from there.
What’s Included:
(1) Classic 200-INT Skimmer Body & Bubble Plate
(1) Aquatrance 3000s Pinwheel Pump
(1) High-Volume Air Silencer with Airline
(1) Precision Output Gate Valve Assembly
Technical Specs:
Model / SKU: CLSC-200INT
Body Size: 8 in
Footprint: 14.6 in x 10.2 in
Total Height: 24 in
Neck Size: 4 in
Output Size: 50mm / 1.5 in PVC
Recommended Sump Water Depth: 7.5 – 8.5 in
Reef Octopus Aquatrance 3000S Pinwheel Pump
Wattage: 35w
Air Draw: 900lph / 31.5scfh*
Water Draw: 800lph / 211gph*
*Air and water results will vary depending on aquarium setup
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.
- Assemble the internal bubble plate diffuser and securely lock the Aquatrance 3000s pump onto the skimmer body intake connection.
- Place the skimmer into your sump's filtration chamber, ensuring your water depth is consistent between 7.5 and 8.5 inches.
- Connect the flexible air tubing from the pump venturi to the integrated air silencer on the skimmer neck.
- Open the precision gate valve completely before connecting the pump power plug to a GFCI outlet.
- Once water is flowing smoothly, slowly turn the gate valve to raise the internal water level to the base of the collection cup neck.
- Allow 10–14 days for the acrylic surfaces to break in before making final adjustments to achieve your desired dry or wet skimmate consistency.
Pro Tips:
- The Importance of an ATO. An 8-inch skimmer processes a massive volume of water, making it sensitive to fluctuations in the surrounding sump water level. To maintain consistent foam production and prevent under or over-skimming, always pair the Classic 200-INT with a high-quality Auto Top Off (ATO) system to keep the sump water depth perfectly locked.
- Plumbing Adaptation. The Classic 200-INT uses a 50mm Metric output gate valve. If you plan to hard-plumb the discharge back into a specific section of your sump or through a baffle wall, make sure to use a 50mm Metric Union or a metric-to-standard adapter to ensure a proper fit with US standard PVC lines.
- Venturi Salt Creep Maintenance. If you notice that bubble production has slowed down or the internal water level keeps rising despite no changes to the gate valve, inspect the gray venturi nozzle at the pump intake. Salt crust can deposit over time inside the air inlet. Clear it with a toothpick or squirt a small amount of warm RO/DI water down the airline to instantly dissolve any blockage.