Skimmer Q&A Thread

[kristofferzen]

so what is your overall opinion of the vertex?

Thanks for the responses. I'm still curious how they compare maybe to a lower rated gph, like a Bubble Magus, curve 5. That is what I have now. Thanks

 

[Volpone]

I have my 100 g mixed reef tank ,im trying to buy new skimmer and get confuse , I read many great feedback about vertex for good value , but they are not using red dragon pump now they use sicce pump .
What do u recommend for my tank if I mention those brand :
Bk , vertex, reef octopus , and which model
Thx in advance

 

[mrred]

Asm reviews? ,I bought one from marine depot 4 yrs ago, its doing a great job and built simple. Its the g2 with sedra pump. Anyone else out there use one? How is it doing?

 

[KNorbi]

Hello! How can I convert a Red Sea Prizm skimmer 400 to a 300 liter aquarium to function well and be quiet? Ideas?

 

[BigMike81]

I am shopping for a new skimmer and this will be my first one. I am looking for suggestions. I am drawn to the vertex 150 based on a review from BRS tv, any suggestions for a 75g soon to be fish and reef tank.

 

[mcarroll]

Someone correct me if I've got the wrong model, but that Vertex is a knockoff of Reef Dynamics...I'd have to recommend Reef Dynamics first. Prolly their INS100.

Tunze has a model 9410 that would be great for you to consider. Low power, easy to clean, unique features.

Also, maybe consider a used skimmer?

-Matt

 

[toothman]

Vertex skimmers are made by same company that makes Bubble King skimmers

 

[Volpone]

Vertex alpha using red dragon pump that why the price is almost of BK .
But in omega they use another brand which is less a lot in price .

 

[Vpham]

It's great to see u on here, Mojo.
Few years back when I got in this hobby, I couldn't find a best skimmer for a budget. I went on RC, and u pick out for me a vertex in180, when they just come out about 6 months, until now it still runs like a champ. I had to replace a magnetic impeller twice. That's about it.
Again, I like to say thank you to u, Mojo, even though we r stranger and u give me ur true opinions ...
Thank you
Vu (ongmat in RC)

 

[tinctorus]

I've heard pretty good things about the life reef brand skimmers, when I upgrade to my bigger tank I plan on using one myself

 

[BigMike81]

Someone correct me if I've got the wrong model, but that Vertex is a knockoff of Reef Dynamics...I'd have to recommend Reef Dynamics first. Prolly their INS100.

Tunze has a model 9410 that would be great for you to consider. Low power, easy to clean, unique features.

Also, maybe consider a used skimmer?

-Matt

Thanks bro I will check them out.

 

[currentking]

I
am looking at a ATB 840 for a 125g with a 30g sump. any thoughts on this?

 

[BigMike81]

I
am looking at a ATB 840 for a 125g with a 30g sump. any thoughts on this?

I just bought a bubble-magus curve 5 and am breaking it in right now. It has pulled 1.5 cups of crud out of my tank in about 24 hrs. It seems to be working really well and you can't beat the price. At $225 its hard to beat. I can't even hear it on at all.

 

[jiwitaganigichigami]

Mojo - I am getting the new Fusion Mini 40 gallon from Innovative Marine...what are my best options for a protien skimmer on this?

 

[jiwitaganigichigami]

Actually, being a newbie, I welcome advice from any seasoned veteran of the hobby :)

 

[mcarroll]

Do you know what size you need it to be?

-Matt

 

[jiwitaganigichigami]

These are the measurements I have to work with...I do not have the tank yet as I am waiting on my husband to finish our living room remodel. While I am waiting I want to be gathering up all of my equipment.

 

[kevantheman35]

Hey guys setting up a new 60g cube. Space is an issue but I'm looking to compare skimmers in this range around 300 or less. Preferably closer to 200 haha. What do you think? So far I've looked a little into SWC160, reef octopus nbw110, SCA301, SKI 121, seaside aquatics cs1, SRO1000, aquamarine cones co1. What do you think of any of these or another option

 

[Birddog]

Just getting started with a new build and trying to put all of the pieces together. The new tank is a DSA Neo 65 with a Trigger Systems sump. I have been selling frags to my LFS for several years and have built a sizable credit with the store. Purchased two Vortech MP10 yesterday, and what is available for skimmers at the LFS includes the Vertex 130, Reef Dynamics INS80, or the Reef Dynamics INS100. Does anyone have experience with Reef Dynamics skimmers and how they compare to the Vertex? I read plenty on all of these skimmers, but very little with respect to comparisons between them.

 

[mcarroll]

Sorry I can't offer direct comparative experience either....never seen the Vertex in person.

Personally I would discount the Vertex on account of its shape, size:footprint ratio and cost. Aside from this skimmer, the company is known more for sponsoring Chinese knock-offs of Euro-Reef's skimmers so that gives me further reason to discount them.

IMO, pick up the Reef Dynamics that makes the most sense based on either size, fit or cost...whichever is most important to you. Bigger would be better in several ways, but smaller would definitely still get the job done and also have its benefits. They are made here in the USA by a company that has always (even back when they were Euro-Reef) made great skimmers, and which still supports local fish stores. YOUR local fish store, in fact. :)

-Matt