skimmer selection need help

[fishnerd1]

Posted this thread on beginners forum and got no response. This might be a better place.

Skimmer Selection help > 200g build

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I'm working on a 245G build - tanks not yet ordered, and need some advice on skimmers. What's being used currently on larger tanks and why? I've been looking at the following, what do you think? I'm starting with FOWLR and will evolve into a mixed system. I'm expecting he bio load to be medium to high with the family wish lists growing FO part of the system. Want to avoid buying another in the future if possible. I don't see the BK being worth the $ so this is what I've seen so far:

SWC Xtreme 300A 300-500g depending on load
Octopus Extreme XS-350 up to 400g
Octopus Extreme XS-250 up to 250g
Super Octopus XP-3000 up to 300g
Vertex Gen II IN-280 up to 280
Vertex Gen 3 IN 250 150-250g depending on load
Vertex Alpha PS-A200 up to 300, ozone capable

[Omega_rains]

It's all in what you want. Larger tanks you can go with a Becket style skimmer - no tuning needed and out of the box performance. Needlewheel skimmer you need to have a constant water level - that's the only draw back with them that I have seen. Stay away from the Vertex my buddy got one and he is always having to tune it ever 2 or 3 weeks. Too much work for a skimmer.

[serpentman]

Budget also plays a key role. IMO, I would puruse the used goods sections. Used, you can buy a lot of skimmer for a few hundred.

As far as brands go, I've had good luck with the Reeflo, Octobus and tried and true Euroreef.