Skimmer recommendations/thoughts

J

jbrowning1

New member
Hello all,

I currently have a Reef Octopus Classic 6" protein skimmer on my 90G tank. It is an OK skimmer, but I am just not completely happy with it. I have it sitting on a raised DIY platform in my Trigger CRY36 sump. I have it set to the recommended water level in my sump. Water coming out of the gate valve is loud and splashes a lot. The pump is a different level than the actual base of the skimmer and causes the skimmer to tip over when the collection cup is removed. I tried to brace it with eggcrate, but when stacking it under the pump it is either to high or to short.

I would love to get some recommendations for a really good skimmer. I am looking at 3 brands currently and can't decide which to go with.

-AquaMaxx EcoMaxx EM200
-Bubble Magus Curve 7
-Vertex Omega 180i

All of these have a ton of good reviews. I know a couple people with a Vertex and they love it. If that is the best option, then I am all for it. It is the most expensive of the three. I don't mind spending the money if it is really the best option. I would love to get some opinions on these or other brands if you know of one that is equal/better.

Thanks!
 
I am running a 180i on my 90 gallon which replaced a reef octopus sro xp1000sss. So far have been pretty happy with it. Have it now I believe going on three weeks so still tinkering.
 
Skim said:
Boy a 180I on a 90. Just curious what kind of skim are you getting.
Click to expand...

Not real sludge at the moment but the same consistency but a lot more than the reef octopus I was running. Skimmer I believe is rated for 92-180 gallon systems. Normally getting a cup to one and a half a cup full in 3-4 days. Not skimmer cup but measuring cup. I am heavily stocked that is why the change over plus I could not beat the price. I do skim a little on the wetter side to begin with.
 
Check out the prime/elite SRO.

I have my elite 200 sitting in 9" and I only had to adjust it twice.

I couldn't be happier with this skimmer. It pulls out half a collection cup every week of thick nasty sludge.
 
I love my Reef Octopus Regal SSS170 DC a controlled. Gives you the flexibility of how aggressively you want to skim with 5 preset levels.
 
I ran the exact same setup on my 75 gal. I recently upgraded to the jns u-2 skimmer which is EXACTLY the same skimmer as the aquamaxx em200 and am sooooo happy I switched.

It is an incredible skimmer. Extremely quiet and powerful broke in easily and is a stable performer in my tank. I would recommend them to anyone
 
Take a look at the Reef Dynamics line of skimmers. I have seen several working flawlessly for years. Lots of research behind their products. I also have one.
 
You had the Regal 170 DC previously? and you are finding the JNS a much better unit. How about skimmate production

swk said:
I ran the exact same setup on my 75 gal. I recently upgraded to the jns u-2 skimmer which is EXACTLY the same skimmer as the aquamaxx em200 and am sooooo happy I switched.

It is an incredible skimmer. Extremely quiet and powerful broke in easily and is a stable performer in my tank. I would recommend them to anyone
Click to expand...
 
Very happy with my vertex 180i on my 120. I just put it in and followed the directions overnight and the next day and ever since it has been working great. No fuss, no fiddling.
 
I'm following along...

I have an 80g (89g total system water volume) which I'm running a Reef Octopus POV-DC1 on. It's an excellent skimmer but I think it's a little over sized for my system and it's a little loud. I've heard good things about the Vertex Omega 150 (and 180) and thinking about switching to one.
 
I went from a RO SRO2000int on my 90g to a Vertex Omega 150 and I love it. It's so much more consistent that the RO ever was. It constantly fills the cup with nasty crap.

I ran the skimmer in vinegar/water for 24-48 hours, put it in the tank and it settled right out. Very minimal adjustments were made at the beginning.
 
HiImSean said:
I went from a RO SRO2000int on my 90g to a Vertex Omega 150 and I love it. It's so much more consistent that the RO ever was. It constantly fills the cup with nasty crap.

I ran the skimmer in vinegar/water for 24-48 hours, put it in the tank and it settled right out. Very minimal adjustments were made at the beginning.
Click to expand...

What's it like noise wise compared to your RO? Our tank is in our family room and the only sound I hear from it is the skimmer. It's sort of a constant bubbling and sometimes water splashing noise. I wouldn't necessarily call it loud, but you definitely can hear it. Is the Vertex more silent? I'm on a silence quest and even thinking about swapping out the controllers on our MP-40s for the new quiet drive ones.
 
I read a review linked on the Eco Tech Facebook page for what it's worth, he said it was so silent as to be inaudible. That seems to be one of your requirements. I am looking at the Vertex 130 and Aquamaxx CO-1 for my 60 gallon cube. The NYOS would also be in the running but at $399 it seems like diminishing returns.
 
DivingTheWorld said:
What's it like noise wise compared to your RO? Our tank is in our family room and the only sound I hear from it is the skimmer. It's sort of a constant bubbling and sometimes water splashing noise. I wouldn't necessarily call it loud, but you definitely can hear it. Is the Vertex more silent? I'm on a silence quest and even thinking about swapping out the controllers on our MP-40s for the new quiet drive ones.
Click to expand...

They're both fairly quiet, I had a MP10 at about 70% and it was the loudest thing on the tank. I think it just depends how you set it up too. I had a stand made out of pvc and eggcrate but swapped sumps and now have 3 pieces of eggcrate underneath it and its a little louder now. My Eheim 1262 hums louder though.
 
hart24601 said:
Very happy with my vertex 180i on my 120. I just put it in and followed the directions overnight and the next day and ever since it has been working great. No fuss, no fiddling.
Click to expand...

What depth are running the 180i at. Just curious. I am at about 7.5 inches
 
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