skimmers now that bermuda aquatics is gone, oh boy

[pascal32]

I would like to upgrade to another skimmer for my 200 mixed reef which is SPS heavy. I've been running an octopus 200 which has been good to me, however when I see the Bermuda 3C on my LPS tank I get the urge to replace the skimmer.

I was looking for a Bermuda 5C or 8C, however I just found out that they are available, however, the company has vanished.

as much as I love their product, I'm reluctant to buy the 5C at $500 with no pump without the availability of parts. If the cup gets dropped or something breaks, spare parts might be tough.

Any thoughts out there on solid performing mid-range skimmers?

I like the BOT-200, purely from a cool perspective

anything more realistic that is actually for sale out there which performs well?

The biggest like I have for the Bermuda is how consistent it is. never needs adjustment, doesn't overflow, just keeps pulling out the icky stuff!

Thanks!

 

[RyanEG]

I have a bermuda 8c and couldnt be happier with it honestly. What about one of the newer octopus cone style skimmers?

 

[RyanEG]

Or maybe an I-tech?

 

[macma101]

Wow, I wonder what happened to them. I have a 5C and love it. That worries me tho about the parts availability.

Really not sure what skimmers are comparable only familiar with my Bermuda.

 

[pascal32]

The I-tech looks good, seems like they make a lot of one-offs which scares me for parts. Are those really made by a lfs?

Anyone running the reef octopus with a bubble blaster pump?

 

[johnnyroastbeef]

I have a k10, and its the best skimmer I have ever used. I did manage to mangle the collection cup, trying to drill it to add a remote drain, and always hoped to replace it with a new cup. I would expect that if you needed a replacement collection cup, you could have a fabricator make you a new one without too much fuss.

Since there really arent any mechanical parts, and short of dropping the skimmer, what could fail? If you dropped the skimmer it likely wouldnt be repairable anyway, and you would need to buy a new skimmer. I say go for it, while you still can.

 

[pascal32]

I've never tried to clean the injector on my 3C, you ever clean yours?

 

[johnnyroastbeef]

I have never done any maintenance on mine other than the skimmer cup. I dont really see how to even get to it on mine. I have seen no performance changes since I started using it. On the other hand, I have had Aqua C skimmers and could see that the quality of skimmate had deteriorated over time.