The best skimmer for performance / cost

[Deep Reef]

I currently have an in sump RO nwb-150 with an upgraded pump on my 120 DT. Toying with the idea of getting something better in my sump. Would a vertex be the right move or is there a better option? I like them since unlike my RO unit you can take it apsrt to clean it. Also, I'm not interested in a DC model as I find once a skimmer is dialed in you almost never touch it.

 

[FirstContact]

Would think that the skimmer designs in the next year or two will change with more and better dc pump availability. RLSS is supposed to come out with new designs this year. With the power that DC pumps bring at a lower electrical cost, maybe we will see higher tube sizes for longer contact time instead of the standard 22" - 24" under the DT design.

If DC isn't your route, the sicce pumps are very reliable.

 

[parrthed]

I have always been a fan of Sicce pumps. I run a ES7 (Curve 7 with a PSK1000 pump) and love it. Great little skimmer for the money. Plus they come completely apart like the vertex. I had a Omega 130 for a while but it was pretty finicky until I restricted the air intake a bit

 

[Bill Nye]

I have always been a fan of Sicce pumps. I run a ES7 (Curve 7 with a PSK1000 pump) and love it. Great little skimmer for the money. Plus they come completely apart like the vertex. I had a Omega 130 for a while but it was pretty finicky until I restricted the air intake a bit

Check out JNS CO-2. I have CO-1 and its pretty awesome. They come with Sicce Shark series pumps which is also a plus. The JNS skimmers were just on sale at Big Als not sure if the deal is still running.

 

[ahmed_iAM]

The Curve 7 will probably be the best bang for for buck period. Buy from fish street and it's about $250. Nothing that well built comes under $400. That is my opinion though. I know others will object to it.

 

[azjohnny]

Whats your budget?

I have found Life Reef skimmers have worked the best for me, rock solid and very little maintenance and can use any pump that delivers the GPH needed due to them using a venturi


DC pumps don't use less power, when they rate the power on a AC pump its with no back pressure, when you add back pressure it reduces the power draw.

Try putting a Kill-A-Watt on a AC pump and you will see. DC pumps have their place and that is where you will have very frequent start and stops

 

[oldbones]

My research for the 55g + 20g sump I have in the works has led me to the Eshopps S-120. Solid reviews, Sicce super quiet pump, reportedly super easy to clean and quite affordable.

Your system is bigger, so you may want to look at the S-150 or S-200.

The S-200 is rated for tanks up to 250 gallons, and can be had easily for $289. Check reviews here:

http://www.amazon.com/Eshopps-S-200-Cone-Protein-Skimmer/dp/B003JD3V06

 

[Deep Reef]

Whats your budget?

I have found Life Reef skimmers have worked the best for me, rock solid and very little maintenance and can use any pump that delivers the GPH needed due to them using a venturi


DC pumps don't use less power, when they rate the power on a AC pump its with no back pressure, when you add back pressure it reduces the power draw.

Try putting a Kill-A-Watt on a AC pump and you will see. DC pumps have their place and that is where you will have very frequent start and stops

I was thinking not more than $450. I agree about the dc pumps that is why I'm thinking of getting one for my return pump.

 

[AdamSabina]

I prefer to buy used over new now. This NAC9 cost me the same as this used vertex alpha

http://youtu.be/ee96cQ_IDNU

So for me the used alpha 200 was worth the money. If it was new I would probably say the omega line of vertex skimmer is good quality and fair price. I would not purchase a bubble Magnus. The cup didn't fit out of the box.

 

[Jay_R]

BUBBLE MAGUS All day long.. Love these skimmers. Cost effective, great range, great quality and very very efficient.

 

[Scubareefman]

+1 on the Bubble Magnus. I own one and it out performs all the others I have owned. Its very quit, almost silent. It collects really condensed skimmate and it did not break the bank. Plus it has a simple clean look and is simple to adjust and break in.

Cheers
Tom

 

[Navgamma]

Skimz Oval series skimmer

Skimz Oval series skimmer

Should I try the skimz oval D series skimmer or should I just stick to the reef octopus classic? Does anyone have experience on skimz?

 

[d2mini]

Also, I'm not interested in a DC model as I find once a skimmer is dialed in you almost never touch it.

LifeReef.
The most hands-off skimmer I've ever owned.

 

[dendrite]

skimz monzter203,set it and forget it. very small footprint for its size and power.

 

[Navgamma]

ok dendrite, so the monster series should be good i assume

 

[lighthouze08]

vertex omega 150 would be perfect for your tank size

 

[Deep Reef]

LifeReef.
The most hands-off skimmer I've ever owned.

I went to their site. I read your post with others from their link on their site. I am very interested. How noisy is it?

 

[azjohnny]

I went to their site. I read your post with others from their link on their site. I am very interested. How noisy is it?

Only as noisey as the pump you choose , mine is completely silent

 

[mandarin417]

Hey Deep Reef - I have a sicce pump on my LifeReef skimmer and the setup is unaudible. Jeff builds a workhorse skimmer and I love that fact this it is impossible to overflow the collection cup with his design. I tried the Omega and the Cone skimmers and when the water level in the sump was raised, the cups flooded. The LifeReef I have is very very very low maintenance and works like a beast.

 

[wildman926]

Aquamaxx EM series. Excellent contact time, quiet Sicce pump, small footprint, and just great skimmers overall. Do a search here and read reviews.