Which of These 2 Skimmers?

Fish Everywhere · 06/18/2016, 09:29 AM

Hey all, I'm making plans for my 120 gallon reef which ideally will be up within the next few months, so that's nice.

I was specifically wondering which of these two skimmers I should get? My budget for a skimmer was $500, and it seems that these two skimmers are the best within that.

- Super Reef Octopus 6" 2000-INT
- Vertex Omega 150

I was originally considering a 3000 or a 180i, but that would be too large based on what many told me, and would have trouble skimming correctly. So, based on personal or others' experience, which of these two would you choose? My stocking list is a moderate to heavy bioload if I judged it myself, but it is:

- 2 clowns
- 1 Flame angel
- 1 Leopard wrasse
- 5 Carberryi anthias
- 1 Blue throat trigger

azjohnny · 06/18/2016, 09:37 AM

I would also consider a 24" Life Reef skimmer

Kies1 · 06/18/2016, 07:21 PM

Vertex omega 180i should be considered as well. If you are thinking of vertex

Pablos RSM 450 · 06/18/2016, 07:29 PM

If those are the only 2 choices I would go with the SRO 2000 I have heard awesome things about the bubble blaster pump. If you are open to other options I would go with the RLSS r8i or the Lifereef 24" but with the Mazzei venturi.

shifty51008 · 06/18/2016, 07:39 PM

I would also vote for the lifereef skimmer if your open for other choices

daelie · 06/18/2016, 07:51 PM

You could also look into the Nyos Quantum skimmers, they make 2 that fall within that price range, but between those two I would go with the Vertex, I use one on my tank and I really love it.

jason2459 · 06/18/2016, 08:12 PM

The sro2000 is a good skimmer. Its better balanced then the 3000. I would choose it over the omega 150.

Others have made some good suggestions too. For a 90-150 I'd totally jump on an ATB 840v2 but it is out of that price range.

The MTC MVX 26" would be great as another choice to compete with the life reef skimmer. I'm super impressed so far with my 36" with quick change head and I don't think I've even tapped into it's full potential yet.

Great bang for the buck would be a seaside aquatics ES2 from salty critters. That skimmer did an amazing job on even my 180. Very consistent.

Aquamaxx makes a great skimmer that doesn't break the bank to. The em300 is one of my favorite skimmers so far for a needle wheel.

Fish Everywhere · 06/18/2016, 10:02 PM

Interesting, with all these skimmers. Unfortunately, the lifereef with a mazzei seems quite expensive, a bit out of my price range.

On a side note, I just found this skimmer, what do you all have to say about it? It seems quite promising.

*If this link is not allowed, please remove it, I have no intention of advertising*
http://skimz.sg/index.php?route=prod...&product_id=99

azjohnny · 06/18/2016, 10:15 PM

When buying a skimmer the pump is critical, make sure you know what brand they use and any guarantees they might have with the pump. When Skimz came out they used Eden pumps which kept breaking down. One of the reasons I went with a Life Reef skimmer is that you can use any pump that meets the GPH requirements since they use a venturi

If I didn't have my Life Reef I would probably buy a MTC MVX for the same reason

jason2459 · 06/19/2016, 09:12 AM

Skimz has come out with a lot of skimmers over the years and all look very nice. I've been temped many times to get one. However, they've gotten many mixed reviews and other skimmers have won out in my selections.

If I were to try out another needle/pin wheel based skimmer it would be either an ice cap or one of the RLSS open volute skimmer.

And I totally agree with azjohnny is I love the unrestricted setup of the lifereef, MTC, or skimmers like them. I can change practically anything I want and doing so right now with the MVX skimmer. Different pumps, different plumbing, different heights, different injectors etc.

moondoggy4 · 06/19/2016, 04:54 PM

How much room do you have for your skimmer? esp height.

FirstContact · 06/19/2016, 05:31 PM

I have a Skimz SK222 and love it. There's also the SM202.

azjohnny · 06/20/2016, 08:50 AM

There is a MTC MVX 26 for sale in the Bay area for $360, he might be able to ship. IMO would be a great option

http://166.78.194.232/forums/showthread.php?p=24273108

Kyuss · 06/20/2016, 01:33 PM

I have nothing good to say about Reef Octopus skimmers, my SRO3000 didn't even last 2 years. Sure, the pump still worked, but the body was cracked all to hell ("crazing" they call it, and say it's perfectly normal) and then the glue joint on the venturi intake fell apart. Always seemed to need adjusting as well, and wasn't exactly a "budget" priced skimmer.

I replaced it with an AquaMaxx that was $100 cheaper, performs waaaay better (more consistent as well,) much smaller footprint (I have the now discontinued EM200 model) and a year a half later still looks brand new. Not sure what the newer AquaMaxxs use, but mine came with a Sicce pump as well. I'd give their newer models a look, at least do some googling to see the customer response.

Cathman · 06/20/2016, 04:13 PM

Aquamaxx or Lifereef.

JasonD · 07/08/2016, 08:58 AM

I've had my Life Reef for years and love it. I have the 24 inch model

plecoco · 07/08/2016, 10:12 AM

What's your reason to choose between only those two skimmers? Have you checked out AquaMaxx or Bubble Magus Curve series? Both are excellent skimmers and fit your price range as well as tank capacity.

http://skimmergeek.com/bubble-magus-...kimmer-review/

SteveNMegz · 07/09/2016, 07:41 PM

I just picked up a vertex 130. Haven't even plugged it in yet but just the overall feel and thickness of the materials is way better than my older reef octopus. In all fairness reef octopus has come out with new models since my last one so I can't comment on the new styles. I'm definitely impressed with the vertex though.

DamonG · 07/09/2016, 07:52 PM

I love my skimz. It's been churning away heavily for over a year.. And I used to be a staunch reef dynamics guy. But these are crazy production devices.. Silent, highly adjustable, boot like a tank, and myself and my buddy, along with others I know simply love them. Add to that, brs handles their warranty in the US. So it's a win imho..

Sent from my SM-N920F using Tapatalk

Reel North · 07/09/2016, 08:44 PM

Lifereef. 2 years. No issues. Made in the USA and never obsolete

vipertaj · 07/09/2016, 10:38 PM

i will be getting the Skimz Monster SM203, BRS is using the SM202 on their 160 gallon 52 week series. It seems like a very nice skimmer. Its right at your price range and mine. what I like is the three ways you can adjust it on the skimmer and the controller so water height is really not an issue.

Burtonboy182 · 07/09/2016, 11:24 PM

Out of those 2 the vertex. I would also look into the vertex 180i and the Nyos. Both of which have been suggested above.

ravenr108 · 07/09/2016, 11:45 PM

vertex 180i

jason2459 · 07/10/2016, 08:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vipertaj

i will be getting the Skimz Monster SM203, BRS is using the SM202 on their 160 gallon 52 week series. It seems like a very nice skimmer. Its right at your price range and mine. what I like is the three ways you can adjust it on the skimmer and the controller so water height is really not an issue.

I would not say water height isn't an issue. The pump will have an optimal depth to run in along with water level the skimmer is in. It doesn't take much to alter the pressure against the pump and manipulate the performance. You would also never want the water level to fluctuate during operation.

Just because you can make a million adjustments doesn't eliminate fluid and air dynamics. It also makes it more complex and harder to dial in.

TheFishGuy31 · 07/10/2016, 08:29 AM

I run a Reef Octopus 150 External Classic on my 75g. It works well for me.

Two BIG negatives for me (and likely the reason I won't buy anymore RO gear):
-Could not get a replacement pump for my older 150 Ext Classic. They kept the name exactly the same for the new model (Why call a new style "Classic" is beyond me) so there was a long song & dance with CoralVue until I told them I was just going to file with the BBB.

-The plumbing is metric. It was a nightmare trying to find a 40mm coupling, even online.

06/18/2016, 09:29 AM	#1
Fish Everywhere Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Pennsylvania, United States Posts: 95	Which of These 2 Skimmers? Hey all, I'm making plans for my 120 gallon reef which ideally will be up within the next few months, so that's nice. I was specifically wondering which of these two skimmers I should get? My budget for a skimmer was $500, and it seems that these two skimmers are the best within that. - Super Reef Octopus 6" 2000-INT - Vertex Omega 150 I was originally considering a 3000 or a 180i, but that would be too large based on what many told me, and would have trouble skimming correctly. So, based on personal or others' experience, which of these two would you choose? My stocking list is a moderate to heavy bioload if I judged it myself, but it is: - 2 clowns - 1 Flame angel - 1 Leopard wrasse - 5 Carberryi anthias - 1 Blue throat trigger __________________ Future tank: 120 Gal SPS reef (48x24x24) Light: 8x54 ATI Sunpower, Flow: MP10, XF150, Skimmer: SRO 2000-INT -----------------------------------------------------------------------

06/18/2016, 07:29 PM	#4
Pablos RSM 450 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: California Posts: 343	If those are the only 2 choices I would go with the SRO 2000 I have heard awesome things about the bubble blaster pump. If you are open to other options I would go with the RLSS r8i or the Lifereef 24" but with the Mazzei venturi. __________________ Mixed Reefer 450, Lifereef skimmer, APEX, GYRE 150, Jebao DCP 10,000 return pump, BRS dual media reactor, Kessil 360 lights, Coralife Reef Salt. Current Tank Info: Red Sea Reefer 450

06/18/2016, 07:39 PM	#5
shifty51008 12-5 Chiefs record Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: NW Iowa Posts: 10,134	I would also vote for the lifereef skimmer if your open for other choices __________________ 75 gal. mixed DT, 100 gal. sump, 50 gal. fuge, Clownfish breeder

06/18/2016, 08:12 PM	#7
jason2459 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Iowa Posts: 9,671	The sro2000 is a good skimmer. Its better balanced then the 3000. I would choose it over the omega 150. Others have made some good suggestions too. For a 90-150 I'd totally jump on an ATB 840v2 but it is out of that price range. The MTC MVX 26" would be great as another choice to compete with the life reef skimmer. I'm super impressed so far with my 36" with quick change head and I don't think I've even tapped into it's full potential yet. Great bang for the buck would be a seaside aquatics ES2 from salty critters. That skimmer did an amazing job on even my 180. Very consistent. Aquamaxx makes a great skimmer that doesn't break the bank to. The em300 is one of my favorite skimmers so far for a needle wheel. __________________ rebuild and recovery log: No more red house, you'll have to click on my name and visit my homepage! You can check out my parameters at reeftronics dot net website and look for my username. Current Tank Info: 180g mixed reef w/ a beananimal overflow to a dolomite RRUGF. \| 20g long G. Smithii Mantis Tank

06/18/2016, 10:02 PM	#8
Fish Everywhere Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Pennsylvania, United States Posts: 95	Interesting, with all these skimmers. Unfortunately, the lifereef with a mazzei seems quite expensive, a bit out of my price range. On a side note, I just found this skimmer, what do you all have to say about it? It seems quite promising. If this link is not allowed, please remove it, I have no intention of advertising http://skimz.sg/index.php?route=prod...&product_id=99 __________________ Future tank: 120 Gal SPS reef (48x24x24) Light: 8x54 ATI Sunpower, Flow: MP10, XF150, Skimmer: SRO 2000-INT -----------------------------------------------------------------------

06/18/2016, 09:37 AM	#2
azjohnny Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Gold Canyon Posts: 2,914	I would also consider a 24" Life Reef skimmer

06/18/2016, 07:21 PM	#3
Kies1 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 544	Vertex omega 180i should be considered as well. If you are thinking of vertex

06/18/2016, 07:51 PM	#6
daelie Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Posts: 59	You could also look into the Nyos Quantum skimmers, they make 2 that fall within that price range, but between those two I would go with the Vertex, I use one on my tank and I really love it.

06/18/2016, 10:15 PM	#9
azjohnny Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Gold Canyon Posts: 2,914	When buying a skimmer the pump is critical, make sure you know what brand they use and any guarantees they might have with the pump. When Skimz came out they used Eden pumps which kept breaking down. One of the reasons I went with a Life Reef skimmer is that you can use any pump that meets the GPH requirements since they use a venturi If I didn't have my Life Reef I would probably buy a MTC MVX for the same reason

06/19/2016, 09:12 AM	#10
jason2459 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Iowa Posts: 9,671	Skimz has come out with a lot of skimmers over the years and all look very nice. I've been temped many times to get one. However, they've gotten many mixed reviews and other skimmers have won out in my selections. If I were to try out another needle/pin wheel based skimmer it would be either an ice cap or one of the RLSS open volute skimmer. And I totally agree with azjohnny is I love the unrestricted setup of the lifereef, MTC, or skimmers like them. I can change practically anything I want and doing so right now with the MVX skimmer. Different pumps, different plumbing, different heights, different injectors etc. __________________ rebuild and recovery log: No more red house, you'll have to click on my name and visit my homepage! You can check out my parameters at reeftronics dot net website and look for my username. Current Tank Info: 180g mixed reef w/ a beananimal overflow to a dolomite RRUGF. \| 20g long G. Smithii Mantis Tank

06/19/2016, 04:54 PM	#11
moondoggy4 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: menifee So cal Posts: 11,042	How much room do you have for your skimmer? esp height.

06/19/2016, 05:31 PM	#12
FirstContact Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Glenn Dale, MD Posts: 1,613	I have a Skimz SK222 and love it. There's also the SM202. __________________ No man is an island entire of itself; any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind; never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee. John Donne Current Tank Info: 120g Reef 100g Rubbermaid Sump, 20g Refugium; previous tank: 46g Drilled; Self Plumbed, Birds Nest, Anchor, Xenia, Zoas, Yuma Yuma Ricordea, Chalice, Mushrooms, Brain, Acan, Anenome Plate; Clams, Other Inverts, Fish, Live Rock

06/20/2016, 08:50 AM	#13
azjohnny Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Gold Canyon Posts: 2,914	There is a MTC MVX 26 for sale in the Bay area for $360, he might be able to ship. IMO would be a great option http://166.78.194.232/forums/showthread.php?p=24273108

06/20/2016, 01:33 PM	#14
Kyuss Megistered Rember Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Milwaukee, WI Posts: 470	I have nothing good to say about Reef Octopus skimmers, my SRO3000 didn't even last 2 years. Sure, the pump still worked, but the body was cracked all to hell ("crazing" they call it, and say it's perfectly normal) and then the glue joint on the venturi intake fell apart. Always seemed to need adjusting as well, and wasn't exactly a "budget" priced skimmer. I replaced it with an AquaMaxx that was $100 cheaper, performs waaaay better (more consistent as well,) much smaller footprint (I have the now discontinued EM200 model) and a year a half later still looks brand new. Not sure what the newer AquaMaxxs use, but mine came with a Sicce pump as well. I'd give their newer models a look, at least do some googling to see the customer response.

06/20/2016, 04:13 PM	#15
Cathman Super Ninja Reefer Join Date: May 2006 Location: Yep, Texas Posts: 142	Aquamaxx or Lifereef.

07/08/2016, 08:58 AM	#16
JasonD Registered Member Join Date: May 2001 Location: San Diego Posts: 1,079	I've had my Life Reef for years and love it. I have the 24 inch model

07/08/2016, 10:12 AM	#17
plecoco Registered Member Join Date: May 2016 Location: California Posts: 78	What's your reason to choose between only those two skimmers? Have you checked out AquaMaxx or Bubble Magus Curve series? Both are excellent skimmers and fit your price range as well as tank capacity. http://skimmergeek.com/bubble-magus-...kimmer-review/ __________________ Get deals > cuddledeals.com Skimmer FAQ > skimmergeek.com Current Tank Info: 10g tank looking for stocking ideas

07/09/2016, 07:41 PM	#18
SteveNMegz Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Port Colborne Posts: 1,140	I just picked up a vertex 130. Haven't even plugged it in yet but just the overall feel and thickness of the materials is way better than my older reef octopus. In all fairness reef octopus has come out with new models since my last one so I can't comment on the new styles. I'm definitely impressed with the vertex though. __________________ Steve and Megz Current Tank Info: 55G Shallow Reef (30x30x14) - Equip: Ecotech Radion XR30 G3 Pro, 2 Tunze 6055, Vertex Omega 130 Skimmer, Ecotech Vectra M1 return, Vertex Rx1.5 Zeovit Reactor

07/09/2016, 07:52 PM	#19
DamonG Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Posts: 873	I love my skimz. It's been churning away heavily for over a year.. And I used to be a staunch reef dynamics guy. But these are crazy production devices.. Silent, highly adjustable, boot like a tank, and myself and my buddy, along with others I know simply love them. Add to that, brs handles their warranty in the US. So it's a win imho.. Sent from my SM-N920F using Tapatalk

07/09/2016, 08:44 PM	#20
Reel North New King of Quarantine Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Hammertown, Canada eh Posts: 1,175	Lifereef. 2 years. No issues. Made in the USA and never obsolete __________________ It takes a very rich man to buy cheap things Current Tank Info: frag tank. Lame

07/09/2016, 10:38 PM	#21
vipertaj Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Reno Posts: 45	i will be getting the Skimz Monster SM203, BRS is using the SM202 on their 160 gallon 52 week series. It seems like a very nice skimmer. Its right at your price range and mine. what I like is the three ways you can adjust it on the skimmer and the controller so water height is really not an issue.

07/09/2016, 11:24 PM	#22
Burtonboy182 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2015 Posts: 54	Out of those 2 the vertex. I would also look into the vertex 180i and the Nyos. Both of which have been suggested above.

07/09/2016, 11:45 PM	#23
ravenr108 Registered Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 62	vertex 180i

07/10/2016, 08:29 AM	#25
TheFishGuy31 Registered Member Join Date: May 2016 Location: Mechanicsville, MD Posts: 122	I run a Reef Octopus 150 External Classic on my 75g. It works well for me. Two BIG negatives for me (and likely the reason I won't buy anymore RO gear): -Could not get a replacement pump for my older 150 Ext Classic. They kept the name exactly the same for the new model (Why call a new style "Classic" is beyond me) so there was a long song & dance with CoralVue until I told them I was just going to file with the BBB. -The plumbing is metric. It was a nightmare trying to find a 40mm coupling, even online.