Help me decide on a new skimmer

PaulF757 · 11/12/2014, 09:29 PM

I'm trying to decide on the best skimmer I can buy for around $600. I have a 170G DT with a 45G fuge. I will liked to plan ahead for a heavily stocked tank

I like the vertex 180i but I'm thinking it's too small for this tank. Been hearing good things about Reef Octopus, Vertex.

GroktheCube · 11/12/2014, 09:46 PM

I just upgraded from an Aquamaxx EM300 to a Skimz SK222 (external) on my 120DT/40 sump, and I'm extremely happy with it.

The potential air draw is absolutely monstrous, and the air adjustment valve on the silencer makes adjusting it to appropriate levels a breeze. The body can easily handle 800gph+ of throughput from a feed pump without being overwhelmed. The water level adjustment valve is probably the best I've ever used. The fact that it can be entirely disassembled is a HUGE plus to me. It's not dead silent, but for an external skimmer, it's pretty damn good. Overall, it's a bit quieter than my EM300 was, though the noise is also different, so it's hard to say which would be more tolerable to a given person.

The overall construction and materials quality is fantastic, better than the RO skimmers IMHO.

Very impressive unit, IMHO.

Lowefx · 12/09/2014, 06:20 PM

I am tagging along. I also would like to know the best "bang for the buck" for my 120g.

Would like to get more input from more people with multiple skimmer experience.

mordibv · 12/09/2014, 07:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lowefx

I am tagging along. I also would like to know the best "bang for the buck" for my 120g.

Would like to get more input from more people with multiple skimmer experience.

U will get a lot of different answers for different reasons : Electrical draw, cone or no cone , dc pump ,internal or external etc .
I personally like SKIMZ but now there are a lot of DC driven pump skimmers (yah I like these models ) and u really can't go too wrong with them . EG: 5 of my reef buddies all own RLSS skimmers . Just take your time and look around .
Good luck .

Tradewinds · 12/09/2014, 10:15 PM

I have Eshopps, Reef Octopus, and an Aquamaxx. Of the three, I prefer the Aquamaxx for performance and the ease of adjustment. Starting skimming right out of the box.

The Reef Octopus is a close second, but you can't disassemble it to clean the bottom of the skimmer.

11/12/2014, 09:29 PM	#1
PaulF757 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 45	Help me decide on a new skimmer I'm trying to decide on the best skimmer I can buy for around $600. I have a 170G DT with a 45G fuge. I will liked to plan ahead for a heavily stocked tank I like the vertex 180i but I'm thinking it's too small for this tank. Been hearing good things about Reef Octopus, Vertex.

11/12/2014, 09:46 PM	#2
GroktheCube Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Posts: 2,063	I just upgraded from an Aquamaxx EM300 to a Skimz SK222 (external) on my 120DT/40 sump, and I'm extremely happy with it. The potential air draw is absolutely monstrous, and the air adjustment valve on the silencer makes adjusting it to appropriate levels a breeze. The body can easily handle 800gph+ of throughput from a feed pump without being overwhelmed. The water level adjustment valve is probably the best I've ever used. The fact that it can be entirely disassembled is a HUGE plus to me. It's not dead silent, but for an external skimmer, it's pretty damn good. Overall, it's a bit quieter than my EM300 was, though the noise is also different, so it's hard to say which would be more tolerable to a given person. The overall construction and materials quality is fantastic, better than the RO skimmers IMHO. Very impressive unit, IMHO.

12/09/2014, 06:20 PM	#3
Lowefx Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Winchester, VA Posts: 695	I am tagging along. I also would like to know the best "bang for the buck" for my 120g. Would like to get more input from more people with multiple skimmer experience.

12/09/2014, 10:15 PM	#5
Tradewinds Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Posts: 1,872	I have Eshopps, Reef Octopus, and an Aquamaxx. Of the three, I prefer the Aquamaxx for performance and the ease of adjustment. Starting skimming right out of the box. The Reef Octopus is a close second, but you can't disassemble it to clean the bottom of the skimmer.