Which skimmer?

[hypertech]

I have a Oceanic Illuminata 57 mixed reef with SPS, LPS, and softies with somewhere around 60-70 gallons total volume with the sump (20L). I like fish and I don't like to do water changes so I need a big skimmer. Originally, I had a Octopus Extreme 160 skimmer on it and it was OK but too loud (I want my tank as silent as possible). The small purple pinwheel made it better, but it was still louder than I wanted.

Then, I came along a used BK Mini 180 that was just too good a price to pass up. It is OK and certainly well built, but I think it is just so oversized that it may not work right on my tank.

Do you have a suggestion for me?

 

[Jeremy B.]

Hi,

I would take a look at the Bubble King Mini 160, or even the Vertex Alpha 170. The Mini 160 would be more appropriately sized in my opinion. These two skimmers will be very silent, and you definitely will not hear of them running.

Mini 160
http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=RE-160&Category_Code=

Alpha 170
http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merc...n=PROD&Product_Code=VX-PS-A170&Category_Code=

 

[hypertech]

Thanks. I think I'll do the alpha 170. I know it is supposed to be a premium offering, but the way the cup on the mini goes together bugs me. Every time I carry it across the house to clean I keep thinking it is going to twist or wobble and leak skimmer goo all over the carpet. That would not be a good thing.

 

[DJPB]

Every time I carry it across the house to clean I keep thinking it is going to twist or wobble and leak skimmer goo all over the carpet. That would not be a good thing.

I'm with you on that. I've started placing the collection cup in a 5 gal bucket for stainless transport.

 

[hypertech]

I just got my Vertex Alpha Cone 170 from Premium Aquatics today. They shipped fast and packed it extremely well.

I started it up and am sooooo happy with it based on its initial performance and dead silent operation. I hope it just gets better as it breaks in.

Thanks!

 

[Jeremy B.]

Thanks for the order, have fun with that beast of a skimmer!

 

[hypertech]

This is from less than a week of skimming on a tank that only has 5 small fish. Without a doubt, this was the right skimmer to buy. Thanks!

 

[Jeremy B.]

Looks awesome!!!