LF: New/Used Skimmer Suggestions

gofor100

gofor100

New member
Hey Guys,

I'm looking for suggestions on a new (or used if someone has something) skimmer since it seems my Vertex Alpha 200 is on its last leg. The pump keeps jamming or stalling even after a nice long vinegar bath :(.

My tank is 187 gallons, SPS and a decent bioload, so I'm looking for something that's rated around 300 gallons or maybe a little more.

I can't justify spending a ton with our recent new addition (my baby boy, Colton), so I'm looking for a skimmer that is reasonable in price (meaning, nothing ATB or BubbleKing unless for a great deal). I was looking at the different Octopus skimmers which seems to be the best for the price, but am open to others (e.g., Reef Dynamics).

Any suggestions?

Thanks,

Chad
 
I would check out the AquaMaxx skimmers. The AquaMaxx EcoMaxx EM300 may work out pretty well for you. My humble opinion best bang for your wallet. $380 at MD but you may even be able to get it for a little less, that's if you are able to find it in stock. They are kinda hard to come by for some reason.
 
How about just getting a new motor block? I'm pretty sure the alpha just uses a laguna 1500 motor block? Sometime you can find them on ebay for $130 or so, but usually around $180
 
I've actually been looking for about the same skimmer capabilities to handle my 180 that I plan to set up shortly and I have been eye-ballin the Cadlights TIA 1350. It seems to have good yet limited reviews but for the price it does seem like a good deal
 
I'm using the smaller version of the same skimmer, the 1150, on a 60g cube. Works great and quiet.
 
vuqchu said:
I would check out the AquaMaxx skimmers. The AquaMaxx EcoMaxx EM300 may work out pretty well for you. My humble opinion best bang for your wallet. $380 at MD but you may even be able to get it for a little less, that's if you are able to find it in stock. They are kinda hard to come by for some reason.
Click to expand...

Thanks! I'll take a look at that.

-Chad
 
solitude127 said:
How about just getting a new motor block? I'm pretty sure the alpha just uses a laguna 1500 motor block? Sometime you can find them on ebay for $130 or so, but usually around $180
Click to expand...

Hey Mike! Thanks bro... I didn't even think of that in my sleep deprived state of mind right now :).

I'll have to do some searching to see if I can find anything, but I'll be honest, I don't have the slightest clue on how to replace a motor block. I'm sure youtube has something...

Thanks again,

Chad
 
znotch said:
I've actually been looking for about the same skimmer capabilities to handle my 180 that I plan to set up shortly and I have been eye-ballin the Cadlights TIA 1350. It seems to have good yet limited reviews but for the price it does seem like a good deal
Click to expand...

vuqchu said:
I'm using the smaller version of the same skimmer, the 1150, on a 60g cube. Works great and quiet.
Click to expand...

Hmmm... I'll look at those too if the new motor block doesn't work out.

Thanks for the suggestions guys!

Chad
 
gofor100 said:
Hey Mike! Thanks bro... I didn't even think of that in my sleep deprived state of mind right now :).

I'll have to do some searching to see if I can find anything, but I'll be honest, I don't have the slightest clue on how to replace a motor block. I'm sure youtube has something...

Thanks again,

Chad
Click to expand...

If you do decide to go this route, message me and I can talk you through it. If you can take apart the pump, you can change out the motor block.

But I believe, best bang for the buck skimmers right now are the Aquamaxx. In your case, the EM300 would be a good fit. The bad part is that they're really popular and difficult to find a retailer with them in stock. A close 2nd would probably be Seaside Aquatics skimmers.
 
So I'm seeing that the replacement for the Laguna 1500 is the 1350... is this correct or is the 1500 still available? Does it even matter?

-Chad
 
And does the housing look completely unlike a pump... I'm finding pond applications but am wondering if the housing is just enclosing the motor block which looks much like the red dragon motor block.

Thanks again for your help,

Chad
 
gofor100 said:
Ah... so its the Askoll 1500? Okay, that looks much more like the motor block I'm looking for.

-Chad
Click to expand...

Yes, that's the one you're looking for. Before you order, are you positive it's the motor block? Could the impellar have gone bad?
 
solitude127 said:
Yes, that's the one you're looking for. Before you order, are you positive it's the motor block? Could the impellar have gone bad?
Click to expand...

Well, I'm not 100%. I mean it has completely quit on me, but it is still providing some resistance, but just doesn't seem strong enough to keep it running. I kind of think that it is running on its last leg, but I could totally be wrong.

I've looked at the impellar, and the magnet is not cracked, I don't see anything specifically wrong with it.

Any tests you'd suggest me doing to see if its another culprit?
 
I'm using the aquamaxx ConeS series skimmer and it is the best skimmer I have ever used and silent. I didn't know my tank could make such smelly dark gunk. They are hard to find as supply isn't keeping up with demand but MD has the CO3 in stock. They are priced well
 
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