Nyos Quantum 160 vs Reef Octopus Regal 150-INT Skimmers

Both are excellent in-sump skimmers for mid-size to large reefs. The Reef Octopus Regal 150-INT is the value pick: a controllable VarioS-2S DC pump, dry skimmate, and a 210-gallon rating for $380 to $420. The Nyos Quantum 160 costs more but packs a 396-gallon rating into a tighter conical footprint.

This comparison contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate and partner of other programs, ReefGrade may earn a commission at no cost to you.

At a glance

Spec	Nyos Quantum 160 Protein Skimmer Check price on Amazon	Reef Octopus Regal 150-INT Check price on Amazon
Price	$440 to $480	$380 to $420
Our rating	4.7 / 5	4.7 / 5
Best for	150 to 300-gallon reef systems where a premium compact skimmer is needed, particularly systems with heavy fish stocking alongside coral.	75 to 150-gallon in-sump reef systems with moderate to heavy bioload, particularly mixed reef and SPS-dominant builds.
Rated system size	Up to 396 gallons	Up to 210 gallons
Body and footprint	Compact conical, 6.1 in body diameter	11.4 by 7.5 in, 6 in reaction chamber
Pump	Higher-output Nyos pump for heavy bioloads	VarioS-2S controllable DC, 15 to 25 watts
Street price	$440 to $480	$380 to $420

The two options in depth

4.7 Editorial score BRS

Nyos Quantum 160 Protein Skimmer

The larger sibling to the Quantum 120, rated for systems up to 396 gallons. Same German engineering and compact conical design, with a 6.1-inch body diameter and higher pump output for larger systems and heavier bioloads. The Quantum 160 is the upgrade path for reefers who outgrow the 120.

Best for 150 to 300-gallon reef systems where a premium compact skimmer is needed, particularly systems with heavy fish stocking alongside coral.

Rated for up to 396 gallons with the same compact footprint advantage as the Quantum 120
Higher pump output than the 120 handles aggressive bioloads from tangs, angels, and messy fish more comfortably
Consistent skimmate quality across a wide range of water levels, tolerating sump fluctuation better than many competitors
Premium pricing is harder to justify versus the Reef Octopus Regal 150-INT unless the tight-footprint advantage is specifically needed

4.7 Editorial score Aquarium Specialty

Reef Octopus Regal 150-INT

The Reef Octopus Regal 150-INT is a needle-wheel in-sump skimmer rated for systems up to 210 gallons. The VarioS-2S controllable DC pump runs at 15 to 25 watts depending on set point, the 6-inch reaction chamber produces consistently dry skimmate, and the footprint at 11.4 by 7.5 inches fits most standard sump chambers. At $380 to $420, it is the benchmark mid-size in-sump skimmer for 75 to 150-gallon reef builds.

Best for 75 to 150-gallon in-sump reef systems with moderate to heavy bioload, particularly mixed reef and SPS-dominant builds.

VarioS-2S DC pump runs at 15 to 25 watts with variable speed adjustment for fine-tuning skimmate wetness
6-inch reaction chamber and needle wheel produce dry, concentrated skimmate with a shorter break-in period than most needle wheel competitors
Footprint of 11.4 by 7.5 inches fits standard sump chambers without requiring a dedicated oversized sump section
Collection cup fills quickly during the break-in period; plan on emptying twice weekly for the first two weeks

Which should you buy?

Buy the Regal 150-INT for a 75 to 150-gallon reef with a standard sump; it is the benchmark mid-size skimmer and beats the Nyos on price at similar real-world performance. Buy the Quantum 160 when the sump chamber is tight or the system is larger and heavily stocked; its compact conical body and 396-gallon rating are exactly what a constrained, hard-working sump needs. Size the skimmer to your bioload, not the biggest number on the box.

Common questions

Which skimmer fits a smaller sump chamber?

The Nyos Quantum 160. Its conical design keeps the body diameter to about 6.1 inches, while the Regal 150-INT needs an 11.4 by 7.5 inch footprint. Measure your sump chamber before choosing either.

How long is the break-in period?

Plan on one to two weeks for either skimmer. The Regal tends to fill its collection cup quickly during break-in, so empty it twice weekly at first. Skimmate quality stabilizes once the body develops a biofilm.

Is a controllable DC pump worth it on a skimmer?

Yes. The variable-speed VarioS-2S on the Regal lets you tune skimmate wetness without fiddling with the riser, and it can be dialed down during feeding. It is one of the main reasons the Regal wins on value.