Help Needed: What skimmer for 320 Gallon SPS dominant tank

[gatorrx98]

I'm having the most difficult time deciding on what skimmer to use. I'd like to stay under $1500 if possible. I hope to eventually have a heavy load 320 mixed reef, with lots of SPS. Any thoughts? Here is what I initially considered:
1. RO XP 5000 Int (very worried about the loudness of the pump)
2. ATB 10.5 Deluxe (have heard that full cone skimmers may not be the best)
3. Vertex Alpha 300 (worried about getting parts should they break)

Any thoughts on these or any other skimmers I haven't considered?

 

[reefsafe]

. RO XP 5000 Int (very worried about the loudness of the pump) i have no issue with noise but it's in a separate room

however, I am upgrading to the deltec 2560. will let you know what I think.

 

[gatorrx98]

. RO XP 5000 Int (very worried about the loudness of the pump) i have no issue with noise but it's in a separate room

however, I am upgrading to the deltec 2560. will let you know what I think.

Funny, I debated buying the Deltec SC 2560 on the Used Equipment forum last night just after he posted it. Did you buy that one? If not, where did you find it?

 

[Aquatron]

Hello,

Precision Marine Mach 2 is a nice skimmer and will work well with a heavy load.

Good Luck!

 

[Soccernut5824]

a good one

 

[TimeConsumer]

When it comes to larger tanks you'll get more bang for your buck out of the old school downdraft skimmers like ETSS. You can score one of those for less than $1000. I've seen many threads where Mojo recommends these for people with tanks over 300g.

There's also an article here: http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2010/1/aafeature about skimmer performance and I'd like to quote one sentence:
"Second, the less presumptuous downdraft skimmer appears to do a better job at holding TOC levels lower over the course of a month compared to the Bubble King clone."

 

[TheFishTeen]

I would recommend the Deltec or a Reef Octopus like the SUPER SRO 5000EXT.

 

[bjmbne472]

I use a pm bullet 3 on my 280 and its a beast. But you will need a pressure rated pump. I run an iwaki 70

 

[gatorrx98]

When it comes to larger tanks you'll get more bang for your buck out of the old school downdraft skimmers like ETSS. You can score one of those for less than $1000. I've seen many threads where Mojo recommends these for people with tanks over 300g.

There's also an article here: http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2010/1/aafeature about skimmer performance and I'd like to quote one sentence:
"Second, the less presumptuous downdraft skimmer appears to do a better job at holding TOC levels lower over the course of a month compared to the Bubble King clone."

Great article. I appreciate you sharing. Based on this study, the difference in TOC removal is similar among all skimmers. Certainly changes my perspective a bit.

 

[TimeConsumer]

Great article. I appreciate you sharing. Based on this study, the difference in TOC removal is similar among all skimmers. Certainly changes my perspective a bit.

I came to the same conclusion. In many cases there's very little difference in skimmer performance, but wildly different prices.