Description
Reef Octopus Classic 1000-HOB Protein Skimmer
The Reef Octopus Classic 1000-HOB (SKU: CLSC-1000HOB) is a legendary, time-tested hang-on-back protein skimmer designed to deliver professional-grade organic waste removal to aquariums up to 130 gallons without a sump. Engineered with a sharp focus on space efficiency, the Classic 1000-HOB positions its highly efficient Aquatrance 1000s pinwheel pump directly underneath the main skimmer chassis rather than inside the tank. This smart layout ensures you only need a few inches of clearance behind your aquarium wall while completely preventing pump motor heat from transferring into your water.
Crafted from heavy-duty, crystal-clear cast acrylic, this skimmer includes an adjustable surface skimmer box that actively glides at the water line, removing the unsightly organic slick that blocks light penetration. Inside the reaction chamber, the Aquatrance pump chops air and water into a fine mist of micro-bubbles, stripping away dissolved proteins before they can break down into harmful nitrates and phosphates. With its easy-to-remove collection cup and fully modular design, the Classic 1000-HOB is a perfect, low-maintenance filtration upgrade for standalone reef and marine fish-only displays.
Key Features:
Innovative Sump-Less Design: Perfect for standard tanks, rimmed aquariums, or custom setups where space is limited.
Aquatrance 1000s Pinwheel Pump: Draws a massive 420 L/H of air while consuming a meager 9 Watts of power.
Dual Chamber Layout: Separates the bubble reaction zone from the water return area to drastically reduce micro-bubble bypass into the display.
Surface Degreaser Attachment: Enhances gas exchange and improves light penetration by keeping the water surface spotless.
Robust Output Defoamer: Utilizes a specialized foam sponge and defoaming plate to calm discharge water and capture stray air bubbles.
Bioload Handling:
Heavy Bioload: 60 Gallons
Medium Bioload: 80 Gallons
Light Bioload: 130 Gallons
Pro Tips:
Mind the Output Sponge. The discharge defoamer sponge is excellent at keeping micro-bubbles out of your display tank, but it can quickly trap detritus and salt creep. Rinse this sponge under fresh water weekly during your cup cleanings to prevent water restriction, which can back up the skimmer and cause an accidental collection cup overflow.
The Break-In Phase. Like all brand-new acrylic skimmers, the Classic 1000-HOB has manufacturing oils on its surfaces. Expect a 2-week "break-in" period where the skimmer might over-foam or produce excess micro-bubbles. To accelerate this, wash the skimmer body with warm water (no soap!) before hanging it on the tank.
Keep the Venturi Clear. Because the pump sits outside the tank under the body, the venturi air line can occasionally pull in salt spray or dust. If you notice your foam production dropping or the bubbles getting larger, poke a toothpick into the venturi air nozzle or squirt a small squeeze of warm RO/DI water down the airline to instantly dissolve any salt plugs.