Skimmer for 180G build

[125mph]

Been researching skimmer models for my new 180G build.. its going to be medium bioload I think. These are the models I'm considering.. Of these, which one would u get, or throw in a few others?

Obviously the BK's are more expensive, but compared to the alphas, they arent that much more.

• Vertex 200i - $649 -- dont like the pump is internal, will be a pain to clean out... might be too small too?
• Vertex Alpha 170 - $859 - heard the Alpha's arent as reliable
• Vertex Alpha 200 - $929
• Bubble King Double Cone 200 w/ RD3 - $1144
• Bubble King Mini 200 VS13 w/ RD3 - $1199 - again, this is internal so annoying to clean

I see the RD3's are adjustable speed but not sure why I would need that feature in a skimmer.

 

[hkgar]

Personally I would go with either a MTC or a Lifer Reef. They are only sold by the person who manufacturers them but are the best damn skimmers out there. I have been doing this 20+ years and gone through all the various skimmers and have settled on the MTC and could not be convinced to change.

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2519839

 

[Pablos RSM 450]

Been researching skimmer models for my new 180G build.. its going to be medium bioload I think. These are the models I'm considering.. Of these, which one would u get, or throw in a few others?

Obviously the BK's are more expensive, but compared to the alphas, they arent that much more.

• Vertex 200i - $649 -- dont like the pump is internal, will be a pain to clean out... might be too small too?
• Vertex Alpha 170 - $859 - heard the Alpha's arent as reliable
• Vertex Alpha 200 - $929
• Bubble King Double Cone 200 w/ RD3 - $1144
• Bubble King Mini 200 VS13 w/ RD3 - $1199 - again, this is internal so annoying to clean

I see the RD3's are adjustable speed but not sure why I would need that feature in a skimmer.

I agree with hkgar on the lifereef. I recently posted a 5 video series of the different skimmers I own, and lifereef came out on top. Jeff will respond to you questions within 24hrs if not the same day. I had Vertex once and did not like it at all and in regards to their customer service look at the new thread in this forum Getting in touch with Vertex is a very difficult venture.

 

[125mph]

I just looked at the MTC and life reef.. Hmm maybe they are great skimmers but wow their websites look like they came from the 90s.

The design of the skimmer looks a little dated too.. Again, maybe they are great skimmers, just not appealing to a person that doesn't know their brand well.

I'll check out your videos

 

[Pablos RSM 450]

I just looked at the MTC and life reef.. Hmm maybe they are great skimmers but wow their websites look like they came from the 90s.

The design of the skimmer looks a little dated too.. Again, maybe they are great skimmers, just not appealing to a person that doesn't know their brand well.

I'll check out your videos

They do look dated but good luck finding a replacement pump for Vertex or Royal exclusive after a few years. MTC and Lifereef will last for ever and outskim other new fancy looking brands.

 

[PeterHall]

I've had a aquamax co-2 on my 150 gallon that's been chugging along for 2 years with no problems.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using Tapatalk

 

[jason2459]

I just looked at the MTC and life reef.. Hmm maybe they are great skimmers but wow their websites look like they came from the 90s.

The design of the skimmer looks a little dated too.. Again, maybe they are great skimmers, just not appealing to a person that doesn't know their brand well.

I'll check out your videos

Yes, they are extremely dated. But there's a reason they are still sold. Because they work and work really well.

I have kept up with reviewing mine in this MTC club thread.
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2519839&highlight=mtc+skimmer+club&page=9

Here's some video's of mine in this playlist. I have the MTC MVX 36" with quick change head.
MTC MVX Skimmer
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLN_wI2B-a8vrfiVH3_OAY7LxUcByoEcsu

 

[jason2459]

Been researching skimmer models for my new 180G build.. its going to be medium bioload I think. These are the models I'm considering.. Of these, which one would u get, or throw in a few others?

Obviously the BK's are more expensive, but compared to the alphas, they arent that much more.

• Vertex 200i - $649 -- dont like the pump is internal, will be a pain to clean out... might be too small too?
• Vertex Alpha 170 - $859 - heard the Alpha's arent as reliable
• Vertex Alpha 200 - $929
• Bubble King Double Cone 200 w/ RD3 - $1144
• Bubble King Mini 200 VS13 w/ RD3 - $1199 - again, this is internal so annoying to clean

I see the RD3's are adjustable speed but not sure why I would need that feature in a skimmer.

Of all those the Bubble King is much better. The Vertex series 200 up just doesn't get the reviews that the smaller Vertex series get.