Skimmer suggestions

[planejane]

I'm going bonkers looking through threads on skimmers, like anything one person says His is the best and another will call it junk. What is an old lady to do...

It will need to fit a space of 12"X18", be easy to operate, and mostly be quiet.

Here are some that I am considering, (for what will eventually be a grossly over fed, overstocked 75g) :

Vertex IN 180; Euroreef RS Alpha 100 or VS 100 ; or if I realy want to splurge and they are really worth spending about 2X more, ATB 840? or Bubble King mini 160.

Anyone know anything about I-Tech skimmers?

Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated.

Oh, then there's the lighting. to T5 or not to T5 that is the question.
If I go T5 I'm thinking of the ATI Powermodule, would a 6 bulb be plenty enough for a mixed reef?
If I go MH, I like the Ice Cap MH/T5 ,

I think I may have to go back to work before I go to the poor house: I'm spending my kids inheritance! fun2:

 

[GPhiAce]

Wish I could help you more, but all I have is hear say on the skimmers. I would also look into the octopus line of skimmers. I think Randy has an ATB cone model. My EuroReef with the Sedra 5000 is....... could be a little quieter.you are welcome to come over any time. I think the BKs use a bubble blaster pump and I am not sure as to how they sound. Heard they are fregging amazing.

I am a huge fan of MH T5 combos. But Joel has a great tank with MHs only (needs to get some sticks in there )

From what I have read, the ATI Powermodules with ATI bulbs produce really good even PAR. GrimReefer on here did some work with them if you want to look at some reviews. There are some great mixed reef T5 only tanks. I like the colors T5s produce and the growth and shimmer from MH. That's just my 2 cents on everything.

 

[KafudaFish]

I have an i-tech 100. I am very happy with it. Plug and forget, quiet and John is a great guy.

What about a WM 150 S? They were $330.00.
MSX 200 with BB pump?
The vertex 180 was $230 from MD earlier.

 

[vipjd39]

I got the new ATB 840 v1.5 and couldn't be happier. Everything I have read was super on the customer service. Packaging was top notch as well.

Another you can look at are the new Super Reef Octopus, but may be slightly large. Give a call over to reefspecialty and see what they say. Very knowledgeable and helpful folks. But like I said, I am a big fan of the ATB, skims like a beast!

 

[planejane]

vipjd39, is it quiet? and not complicated to adjust ?

 

[planejane]

vipjd, also, are the pumps in the ATB the Sicce that I've read had problems with start up?

 

[vipjd39]

Extremely quiet. Unbelievably quiet in fact. Depending on the size tank you can run the small ppw or the large ppw. Very easy to adjust. Set it and go as long as you can keep your sump constant at either 8" or 6.5" respectively based on which pinwheel you use.

As far as start up issues those have all been worked out. Even if for some reason there are issues, the folks at ATB and even reefspecialty are absolutely top notch in customer service. Check out the ATB and Reef Specialty threads and you will see no one goes unhappy. JRAQUATICS is also using the ATB 840 1.5 on his 150 and says its his absolute favorite. Any other informaiton, just let me know.

 

[vipjd39]

what size tank again?

 

[EvilMel]

Janie, vipjd is Jarrett. I'm sure you've seen he and Nikki at the store.

He's someone who I would definitely trust.

Randy is also extremely knowledgeable about that kind of thing and he absolutely loves the Verteks. Apparently they are fairly acccurately rated for the size tank they say (as opposed to most other skimmers, including the ASMs).

However, opinions are like...well...you know...

 

[planejane]

It will be a 75g and probably a 50g sump. Of course the sump won't have that much H2O it's the size tank I'm looking at using.
Good customer service certainly does mean a lot. I have a custom nano Euro Reef skimmer that had issues and the owner, Robbert, couldn't have been more helpful . One reason why a ER is on my maybe list. Thanks for your input Jarrett.

Are you feeling better Mel?? Sure hope so.

 

[EvilMel]

Man Janie...I've got this hacking phlegm to deal with. It's not fun when I'm running, I'll tell you! I sound terrible when I start coughing and I'm on antibiotics and whatnot. But I'm feeling a lot better.

Oh and I added to my last post while you were making yours!

 

[vipjd39]

Mel-thanks for the kind words.

The new super reef octopus 2000 would be a little too much for the 75 so that one may be out of the running. And i agree, opinions are...I have just become a fan of ATB. Will be replacing my return pump with them shortly as well. Super economical, good head pressure, zero heat-but not trying to hijack thread.

ATB my vote, but again, just my opinion and there are plenty of others out there that are happy with other skimmers!

 

[ct_vol]

ATB's are awesome... I have an ATB 1050A... If money were of no consequence I wouldn't hesitate to get another...

The I-Tech's are really nice as well, and more affordable...

I'm a fan of the Vertex's for price/value... They're one of the better economical skimmers...

Give me a call and I'll talk your ear off...

 

[cee]

anything with the askoll 1500 pump. those pumps are incredible but probably overkill for your tank.

 

[acrodave]

i dont know much on the others but i love my euroreef. just plug and play no real need to play with it. for the cost they work great