Reef Octopus Classic 110-INT In-Sump Protein Skimmer
The Reef Octopus Classic 110-INT is an incredibly popular, space-efficient in-sump protein skimmer designed to deliver high-performance organic waste removal for marine aquariums up to 130 gallons. Widely regarded as a workhorse filtration unit for entry-level and experienced reef keepers alike, the Classic 110-INT seamlessly balances cost-effectiveness with industrial-grade engineering. Powered by the specialized Aquatrance 1000s pinwheel pump, it draws a massive amount of air relative to its low power draw, producing the ideal bubble size needed to pull dissolved organic compounds from the water column before they can break down into unwanted nitrates and phosphates.
Constructed from premium, heavy-duty cast acrylic, this internal skimmer features a smart hybrid cone body that tapers toward the top. This specialized shape naturally reduces internal turbulence, allowing the rising foam to stabilize and concentrate as it journeys into the collection cup. A precision gate valve assembly gives you absolute control over the internal water line, allowing you to easily adjust between dry and wet skimming depending on your system's bioload. Backed by a bubble plate diffuser that reduces micro-bubble bypass into your return pump chamber, the Classic 110-INT is an exceptionally reliable asset for any standalone marine display.
Key Features
Reliable In-Sump Profile: Streamlined footprint leaves plenty of space in your filtration chamber for media reactors or refugiums.
Aquatrance 1000s Pump: Draws a robust 420 L/H of air while consuming an energy-saving 9 Watts of electricity.
Bubble Diffuser Plate: Quiets the internal water churning, allowing bubbles to lift smoothly without popping prematurely.
Easy Adjustment Gate Valve: Raised gate valve system lets you make micro-adjustments to the internal water level without splashing.
Effortless Cup Maintenance: Features a secure, quick-release neck seal so you can pull the cup for emptying without struggling.
Bioload Handling
Heavy Bioload: 60 Gallons
Medium Bioload: 90 Gallons
Light Bioload: 130 Gallons
Ideal For:
- Reef and saltwater systems from 60 to 130 gallons running a sump with 7–8 inches of available water depth.
- Hobbyists stepping up from a hang-on-back skimmer to their first in-sump unit.
- Sump builds where a compact-footprint in-sump skimmer with a reliable gate valve and quick-release cup is preferred.
- Systems where microbubble control is a priority, such as tanks with large open sump-to-display flow.
Pro Tips:
Set the gate valve slowly and give the skimmer time to respond. The gate valve controls the water level inside the skimmer body, and small adjustments have a delayed effect as the body stabilizes. Make a small adjustment, then wait 15–20 minutes before evaluating the result. Rapid back-and-forth changes during break-in are the most common cause of frustration with in-sump skimmers.
Measure your sump water depth before purchasing. The Classic 110-INT requires 7–8 inches of water in the skimmer chamber to operate correctly. Too shallow and the pump inlet comes out of the water; too deep and the body sits too high, pushing water over the neck. Most standard sumps accommodate this range, but verify before installation.
Use the cup drain to establish a routine emptying schedule. The drain port on the collection cup makes it practical to run a small-diameter tube from the cup to a waste container and empty it on a schedule rather than waiting for the cup to fill. This keeps skimmate from overflowing and keeps the neck cleaner, which improves foam consistency over time.
