Classic INT Series

Name: Reef Octopus Classic INT Series
Brand: Reef Octopus

Filtration · Protein Skimming

Select model

Good for up to 90 US gal · 340 L

In stock

Entry-to-mid-tier cone-body skimmer family. 90-200 gallon range, needle-wheel impeller, US-popular for first-skimmer builds.

Pump

Aquatrance 1000s (needle wheel)

Power

14 W AC

Air intake

~450 L/h

Cup volume

0.5 L

Dimensions

165 × 165 × 480 mm

Summary

Reef Octopus's Classic INT-series is the perennial first-skimmer recommendation in US-domestic reef forums. Needle-wheel pump, internal sump-mount, cone body. Not the quietest, not the most controllable, but bulletproof and a sub-$300 entry point. Variant lineup covers 90-200 gal builds.

Best for90-200 US gallon mixed reef on a budget Mountin-sump submersible Skill beginner

Skimmer anatomy

Cross-section · air pulled in at the pump creates rising bubbles, gunk collects in the cup at the top

Full specifications

Pump Aquatrance series (needle wheel)

Power 14-28 W AC depending on size

Air intake 450-900 L/h

Cup volume 0.5-1.0 L

Dimensions varies by size

Tank range 90-200 US gal

Body Acrylic cone

Pump location External, mounted to body

Warranty 1 year

What sells it / What holds it back

✓ Pros

✓ Sub-$300 entry — the cheapest serious skimmer in the US market

✓ Bulletproof — needle-wheel pumps last 3-5 years with minimal care

✓ Wide US dealer support — parts available next-day from BRS / Premium Aquatics

✓ Internal mount — no plumbing required, drops into the sump

✗ Cons

✗ AC pump only — no DC controllability or quiet mode

✗ Louder than DC alternatives (Tunze, NYOS)

✗ Cup overflows easily on stock — needs gate-valve dial-in

✗ Plastic body — older units yellow over time

Pairs with / Replaces

Pairs with

Neptune Systems

Apex Controller

Where to buy

Affiliate disclosure. Some links on this page are affiliate links — we may earn a commission when you buy through them, at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and stock are refreshed nightly from each retailer.

No retailer links yet. Add one in the editor.

Side-by-side compare

	This product Reef Octopus Classic INT Series See site	Tunze DOC Skimmer 9410 DC from $424.99	AquaMaxx ConeS Series See site
Pump	Aquatrance series (needle wheel)	Tunze 1073.020 DC, controllable	Sicce PSK series (AC needle wheel)
Power	14-28 W AC depending on size	14 W @ 100% DC	11-25 W AC
Air intake	450-900 L/h	~600 L/h	430-900 L/h
Cup volume	0.5-1.0 L	0.8 L	0.5-1.0 L
Dimensions	varies by size	245 × 145 × 460 mm (footprint × height)	—
Tank range	90-200 US gal	400-1000 L mixed reef	100-250 US gal