Question about skimmer rated size vs build quality

[JackandJill]

Just out of curiosity say you had two equal priced skimmers, maybe a reef octopus and a vertex for example.

The reef octopus lets say is rated 300 gallons and the vertex is rated 150.

Which would skim a tank thats lets say 100 gallons better?

 

[Lacy]

Curious also.

 

[FlyPenFly]

The ratings are random to me.

What I look at is neck size, air draw and water draw.

There are of course certain differences in skimmer design that can improve efficiencies but I've never seen it quantified anywhere. Most of it all is marketing fluff until someone can actually run a reliable test. I believe as usually, AA is the only one who has but it was a while back.

I care much more about:

1. Reliability (restarts especially, I shut off my pumps for feeding 2x a day)
2. Noise
3. Consistency after break in
4. Available direct accessories such as precisely fitted reliable neck cleaners
5. Specs
6. Size

 

[GroktheCube]

I am under the impression that contact time is one of the more important things that varies from skimmer to skimmer that impacts performance. I think that a wider body and neck generally = somewhat slower flow and thus higher contact time.