New Skimmer (Octupus Super Reef, Vertex, or SWC)

[Dustin1300]

I've just recently upgraded my tank from a 55 to a 75 with about 25 gallon sump. I've not made a big upgrade because I plan on buying a new house in the next year. With this in mind I am hoping to buy a skimmer that supports my system now but will also support a 180 in the near future. Below are some of my choices but want everyones' opinions as this community is great for advice and reviews of the various products.

Criterion:

- In-Sump Skimmer
- Decently small/compact footprint (Will get dimensions later)
- Height of 25" or lower
- Sump water height is currently 9-10 inches

Current Candidates:

- Super Reef Octopus 3000 Internal Protein Skimmer - $399.99
- Octopus Extreme Skimmer w/pump - Model 200 - $315.99
- Gen II Vertex Internal Pinwheel Skimmer 180 - $284.95 (Would be pushing it with a 180 gallon tank)
- SWC Xtreme 200 protein Skimmer - $289.99 (Footprint is pushing it....)

Let the arguments BEGIN!

[joeshmo]

I'd go with the super reef Octopus 3000 of those choices myself if the price difference does not dissuade you. A friend of mine has that same skimmer and it produces some great foam. He has it on his 120gallon DT 40gal sump.

[Dustin1300]

Yeah, the price is not going to scare me too much and thanks for the input. Anything over that is pushing it for me at this time. I've went ahead and chose the 3000 over the 2000 because its only a $50 difference at PA. Anything that would fit my criterion and is a well respected skimmer would be considered.

[cakemanPA]

I ended up going with the Reef Octopus 5000sss over the 3000sss for the same reason. It has only been 5 days and it is skimming a lot of nasty goo.

[jmik26]

I had a Vertex and switched to a SWC-160 and couldn't be happier! However it only goes up to a 150gallon with light bioload ... Jeff

[justisathomesea]

I have the Swc xtreme 200 on my 55 and love it, does a good job and I plan on using it once I upgrade.

[Slayer311]

sro 3000 hands down, its the upgrade from the swc / octo 200 extremes with a more reliable and better performing pump.

[Fishamatank]

I have the Super Reef Octo XP 2000 (cone model) on my 120 and it a seriously awesome skimmer, but it has a large foot print IMO. I think there is a compact / space saver model for another $100 or so over the regular model. I might look for something bigger for a 180 though, maybe the 3000, but definitely look at the XP line.

[vitalik4eva]

VERTEX ALL THE WAY!!! Love these skimmers

[Dustin1300]

Currently the vote is as follows:

- 4 for the Super Reef
- 2 for the SWC
- 1 for the Vertex

In regards to the space saver model it is over $200 more for the equally powerful skimmer. Anyone have pics of their skimmers (Preferably these) that shows how powerful these skimmers are?!?

[Fishamatank]

Here is my SRO XP 2000 doing it's thing. I think this is 5-7 days (not sure when I cleaned it last) on a heavy bio load 120.

The entire skimmer body is filled with bubbles so small it looks like it's painted white. I have not owned a bunch of skimmers, but this blows away any I've had before.

[extreme5450]

swc +1

[Mounda]

SRO XP 2000 is your man. The SRO 3000 might be too big for your setup and wouldn't have proper foam build up on a small tank since it's rated at 300g.

The XP2000 footprint is small than the SRO 3000 so if you can get the 3000 to fit in the sump then so will the cone. They are both the same price so you might be tempted to buy the bigger skimmer, I recently bought the XP2000 and was puzzled if I should get the bigger one but I opted for the cone. I too will upgrade when I move into my new house next year, hopefully the XP will fare well on a lightly stocked 200g DT.

[Ward1]

Steer clear of that Vertex bud. You will not be happy in the long run.

[drunkfish3]

Get the SRO. I have a 5000 ext and it is freakin awesome.

[jeepguy242]

Sro!!!!

[Dustin1300]

It's starting to look quite obvious who the favorite is....

- 8 for the Super Reef
- 3 for the SWC
- 1 for the Vertex (-1 for negative?)

[Dustin1300]

Originally Posted by Mounda

SRO XP 2000 is your man. The SRO 3000 might be too big for your setup and wouldn't have proper foam build up on a small tank since it's rated at 300g.

What's everyone think about the 3000 being too large for my setup? Would I have problems with it developing good skimmate or could I just stock a little heavier so I can keep the skimmer busy? Thoughts!?!

[cpittmx]

For the price I dont think the SWC 160 cone can be beat.

[Dustin1300]

Anyone with thoughts regarding the 3000 being 'too much' for the amount of bioload my tank will produce? Votes for skimmer is as follows:

- 8 for the Super Reef
- 4 for the SWC
- 1 for the Vertex (-1 for negative?)

[tpenn187]

the 3000 is not going to be too big at all. i would definitely get the SRO over the others. as another poster said, the sro is basically the same body design as the extreme 200 but with a much better pump, i mean MUCH BETTER pump. i have a friend that has an older msx 200 body with the bubble blaster pump, and it skims like crazy on his system. he has about the same volume of water that you have and it is pretty stocked. that would be my first choice.

[Dustin1300]

tpenn187, this pump is what drew me to this thing....I've seen videos of this and its ridiculous the amount of microbubbles this thing pumps out!

~Current Votes~
- 9 for the Super Reef
- 4 for the SWC
- 1 for the Vertex (-1 for negative?)

[raswank1]

Bubble Magus 180 cone skimmer 399.99

[Dustin1300]

I've ruled the Vertex out at this point as its popularity seems to not be in existence....Like I said before I'm open to suggestions in this price range as long as its in my criterion. raswank1 mentioned another consideration of mine but seems they are not as easily available. Footprint is very good because of the pump placement....What's everyone think of this skimmer thrown in the mix?

~Current Votes~
- 9 for the Super Reef
- 4 for the SWC
- 1 for the Vertex (-1 for negative?)
- 1 Bubble Magus

[Stuart60611]

I would not purchase an octopus xp skimmer and instead go for the super reef octopus non-cone skimmers. The new 2010 super reef octopus non-cone skimmers have a re-designed cone-like body which pretty much gives you most of the benefits of the cone body without the cone price. There is very little benefit now to purchasing the xp cones in light of the new SRO 2010 body style. There is considerable discussion of this in the reef specialty forum here.

If you can fit it, I would go for the SRO 3000 over the SRO 2000. This will give you a lot of options to ugrade your tank later. You will not have to wory about water parameters as much and can stock heavy without bioload fears and feed as often and as much of what your animals need without worying as much about nutirient problems. Plus, I think the re-sale would be better on that skimmer because it is suitable for a broader range of systems. The people at reef specialty indicate that an SRO2000 is just large enough to handle a medium stocked 180. Since you are planing a 180 in the future, I would definitely go with a SRO 3000 over an SRO 2000.