Review of the Poseidon Vortex skimmer

CinciCobra · 06/05/2007, 09:16 PM

After searching FOREVER on skimmers and looking at TONS of models ranging from a bargan to a house payment, I decided to try this model ( http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...8182&rd=1&rd=1 )out as an upgrade from my CSS 125 that is currently on my 75g mixed reef. I built this system using retro fitted lighting (580 watts of MH / Actinic supp), a cheap knock off overflow, a DIY sump w/ refugium, and a ton of equipment variations in an effort to see what equipment is not the most expensive but gets the job done. I bought most of it used or on sale, and have been pleased w/ the results thus far (6 months).

I learned in the car hobby years ago that you sometimes get what you pay for, and sometimes that simply is a brand name that can easily be duplicated by the next manufacturer in line. With that also comes a strand of garbage that claims to offer the same result w/ no results. So after seeing most skimmers in the Euro-Reef and Octo type lines are fairly similiar I decided to give this guy on ebay a shout and see what this skimmer is all about. I AM IN NO WAY AFFILIATED W/ THIS GUY OR HIS PRODUCT, OTHER THAN A CUSTOMER. He cut me a deal on the skimmer body as I already have a Gen-X 2400 NW pump that is currently in a bucket of water / vinegar. He stated he wanted to get the skimmer more exposure and told him I would put up my results either way.

This is going to be an honest review of my results either good or bad, and HOPEFULLY the results will be positive and another decent skimmer is ID'd for under $250.00.

I am sure the bubblemaster fans will bash this skimmer into the ground....and I am sure it won't perform like a BM, but hey it was a 5thof the cost. So bash away. I am holding judgement until I see the performance.

I ordered it almost 14 days ago and recieved the skimmer this evening. It was packaged well, with ample protection in the box. It was a bit bigger than I expected, but that is a bonus more than a hinderence. I will have to cut one baffle out of my sump to fit it but it wasn't that necessary anyway.

I unpacked it and found all the plumbing was there aside from one threaded connector that will attatch the pump to the skimmer. A 1/2" threaded union from lowes will fix it up in the morning for less than $1.00.

The construction is decent, but I feel any real force exerted on it would crack it quickly. It isn't super thick acrylic, but would you expect it for this price?

That is the skinny on my first impression of the skimmer. It will be replacing this $125.00 CSS 125 in this photo (approx 24 hour of skimmate)

And this is the tank

Thanks for tagging along if you are going to do so. As I said, I am going to be objective and honest as possible with this and as always begin most projects like this w/ a bit of cynicism. If anyone has any thoughts or ideas please toss them at me. Let's see what it will do........I will have it in the tank tommorrow.

BTW, I apologize for the poor photography skills. An artist with a camera I ain't lets say.

luke33 · 07/15/2007, 04:42 PM

So what happened with the review?

luke33 · 07/15/2007, 04:42 PM

So what happened with the review?

kodyboy · 07/15/2007, 07:17 PM

As Luke said....Review?

kodyboy · 07/16/2007, 09:40 PM

Well...............................anything?

06/05/2007, 09:16 PM	#1
CinciCobra Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 28	Review of the Poseidon Vortex skimmer After searching FOREVER on skimmers and looking at TONS of models ranging from a bargan to a house payment, I decided to try this model ( http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...8182&rd=1&rd=1 )out as an upgrade from my CSS 125 that is currently on my 75g mixed reef. I built this system using retro fitted lighting (580 watts of MH / Actinic supp), a cheap knock off overflow, a DIY sump w/ refugium, and a ton of equipment variations in an effort to see what equipment is not the most expensive but gets the job done. I bought most of it used or on sale, and have been pleased w/ the results thus far (6 months). I learned in the car hobby years ago that you sometimes get what you pay for, and sometimes that simply is a brand name that can easily be duplicated by the next manufacturer in line. With that also comes a strand of garbage that claims to offer the same result w/ no results. So after seeing most skimmers in the Euro-Reef and Octo type lines are fairly similiar I decided to give this guy on ebay a shout and see what this skimmer is all about. I AM IN NO WAY AFFILIATED W/ THIS GUY OR HIS PRODUCT, OTHER THAN A CUSTOMER. He cut me a deal on the skimmer body as I already have a Gen-X 2400 NW pump that is currently in a bucket of water / vinegar. He stated he wanted to get the skimmer more exposure and told him I would put up my results either way. This is going to be an honest review of my results either good or bad, and HOPEFULLY the results will be positive and another decent skimmer is ID'd for under $250.00. I am sure the bubblemaster fans will bash this skimmer into the ground....and I am sure it won't perform like a BM, but hey it was a 5thof the cost. So bash away. I am holding judgement until I see the performance. I ordered it almost 14 days ago and recieved the skimmer this evening. It was packaged well, with ample protection in the box. It was a bit bigger than I expected, but that is a bonus more than a hinderence. I will have to cut one baffle out of my sump to fit it but it wasn't that necessary anyway. I unpacked it and found all the plumbing was there aside from one threaded connector that will attatch the pump to the skimmer. A 1/2" threaded union from lowes will fix it up in the morning for less than $1.00. The construction is decent, but I feel any real force exerted on it would crack it quickly. It isn't super thick acrylic, but would you expect it for this price? That is the skinny on my first impression of the skimmer. It will be replacing this $125.00 CSS 125 in this photo (approx 24 hour of skimmate) And this is the tank Thanks for tagging along if you are going to do so. As I said, I am going to be objective and honest as possible with this and as always begin most projects like this w/ a bit of cynicism. If anyone has any thoughts or ideas please toss them at me. Let's see what it will do........I will have it in the tank tommorrow. BTW, I apologize for the poor photography skills. An artist with a camera I ain't lets say.

07/15/2007, 04:42 PM	#2
luke33 Moved On Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Indiana Posts: 8,375	So what happened with the review?

07/15/2007, 07:17 PM	#4
kodyboy Moved On Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 2,990	As Luke said....Review?

07/16/2007, 09:40 PM	#5
kodyboy Moved On Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 2,990	Well...............................anything?