Vertex Alpha skimmers

[Rs Reef]

Looking at either the alpha 170 or 200 . Both seem on the cusp either way for my tank size. Ive heard these skimmers are beasts and are underrated.Im leaning towards the 170. My total tank cap. is 220G and will be stocked light. Reviews or opinions would be much appreciated!

 

[slief]

Looking at either the alpha 170 or 200 . Both seem on the cusp either way for my tank size. Ive heard these skimmers are beasts and are underrated.Im leaning towards the 170. My total tank cap. is 220G and will be stocked light. Reviews or opinions would be much appreciated!

The 170 is the largest I would go for your display. The 200 will be way oversized and inconsistent. The 170 could end up being inconsistent depending on how light your load is in which case you will need to run it pretty wet to keep it consistent. How large is your display? These skimmers should be chosen based on display size and not system volume because the display is where the load is generated and our sumps contribute to load reduction. I normally wouldn't recommend this skimmer for a main display under 150 gallons with a very heavy load.

 

[Rs Reef]

160 Display . i know the sump volume really doesnt matter . The display is where the load is and created.Ive heard so many different opinons and storys.

 

[Rs Reef]

and everyone has a different opinion of light , med. heavy stock.

 

[slief]

160 Display . i know the sump volume really doesnt matter . The display is where the load is and created.Ive heard so many different opinons and storys.

With a light load in a 160 gallon display, you will most certainly be running that skimmer wet to keep it consistent. Different skimmers are rated differently but Having owned Alphas and having helped many Alphas users over the years not to mention that since Royal Exclusiv originally designed and made that skimmer for Vertex, I am intimately familiar with those skimmers. The Alpha 170 would be the largest I would suggest. Anything larger would be a mistake.

 

[slief]

and everyone has a different opinion of light , med. heavy stock.

Based on the original designer/manufacturer of that skimmers opinion, a truly heavy load is 1/2” of fish per gallon.

 

[Rs Reef]

Thank you for the help .

 

[slief]

Thank you for the help .

Glad to help. If you have any further questions feel free to message me anytime. I know those skimmers inside and out.