Comparison
Bubble Magus Curve 5 vs Reef Octopus Classic 110 INT
Side-by-side of the two most-recommended ~$200 protein skimmers for 75-100 gallon reef tanks. Pump specs, real-world skimmate production, build quality, and which one earns its price.
The contenders
Side A
Bubble Magus Curve 5
Internal sump skimmer
Side B
Reef Octopus Classic 110 INT
Internal sump skimmer
Spec-by-spec
| Spec | Bubble Magus Curve 5 | Reef Octopus Classic 110 INT |
|---|---|---|
Rated tank size (heavy bioload) | 65-130 gallons | 75-125 gallons |
Pump | Sicce/Bubble Magus SP-2000 (~10 W) | Bubble Blaster 1000 (~13 W) |
Air draw | ~360 L/h | ~600 L/h |
Footprint | 8.3" × 6.5" | 9.0" × 7.1" |
Height | 21.5" | 21.5" |
Minimum sump water depth | 7-9" recommended | 7-9" recommended |
Collection cup volume | ~0.5 L | ~0.7 L |
Drain on cup | Yes — ½" barb included | Yes — ½" barb included |
Body construction | Acrylic injection-moulded | Cast acrylic + machined parts |
DC pump option | Curve 5 Elite version (+$80) | Hurricane Cat 1 DC variant (+$120) |
Street price | ~$200 | ~$280 |
Replacement pump availability | Aftermarket Sicce SP-2000 cheap and common | Bubble Blaster 1000 only from Reef Octopus — harder to source |
Which one for which situation
Budget-conscious first build
Pick: Bubble Magus Curve 5
Bubble Magus Curve 5 hits 80-90% of the Octopus's air draw at 70% of the price. Replacement pumps are commodity Sicce parts you can buy anywhere. The build quality is real but not premium — fine for a typical mixed reef.
Heavily-stocked 90-100 gal reef with lots of fish
Pick: Reef Octopus Classic 110 INT
The Bubble Blaster 1000 pulls noticeably more air (~600 L/h vs ~360 L/h). For a tank dosing aggressively for fish nutrients, the bigger air draw means wetter skimmate and faster nutrient export. Worth the extra $80.
Reefer who values silent operation
Pick: Bubble Magus Curve 5
Sicce SP-2000 is one of the quietest pumps in this price range. Bubble Blaster is more powerful but louder at full draw. Both are quiet when broken in for a week.
Tight sump footprint
Pick: Bubble Magus Curve 5
Curve 5 saves you about an inch of width and depth. In a typical 30" sump that often makes the difference between fitting comfortably and stuffing in.
Where to buy
Bubble Magus Curve 5
Bubble Magus Curve 5 skimmer
Best budget skimmer for tanks up to 80 gal.
View on Amazon →
Reef Octopus Classic 110 INT
Reef Octopus Classic 110-INT skimmer
Mid-range workhorse. In-sump, 80–150 gal.
View on Amazon →
Affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, reefcalcs earns from qualifying purchases.
Related calculators & references
Sources & references
- 01Bulk Reef Supply — Bubble Magus Curve 5https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/curve-5-protein-skimmer-bubble-magus.html
- 02Bulk Reef Supply — Reef Octopus Classic 110https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/classic-110-int-protein-skimmer-coralvue-reef-octopus.html
- 03BRS — How to choose a protein skimmerhttps://www.bulkreefsupply.com/content/post/how-to-choose-a-protein-skimmer-and-mistakes-to-avoid
Last reviewed