I am setting up a 120g oceanic tech. The only item left to buy is the skimmer. Everyone is crazing over these cone skimmers. I don't know anyone with one to compare. I don't know what brand to trust. I want an internal skimmer. I was looking at the Deltec AP851 but of course, it's not a CONE skimmer... HELPPPPPPPPP LOL
Why a cone skimmer
- Thread starter brandacca
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James77
Team RC
That Deltec AP851 is also an external, can be used internally but it costs more.
I use an ATB 840 on my 120, and it works very well. Of all the skimmers, this has the least turbulence in both the body and neck. They can be had with Eheim pumps if you are leary of Sicce pumps. An ATB is also about half the price of the Deltec you are currently looking at.
I use an ATB 840 on my 120, and it works very well. Of all the skimmers, this has the least turbulence in both the body and neck. They can be had with Eheim pumps if you are leary of Sicce pumps. An ATB is also about half the price of the Deltec you are currently looking at.
rbnice1
New member
I disagree with this statement.
Take a bubble king skimemer for example. It is a traditional skimmer. The mini160/mini180 run $800-$1000, where the comparable cone skimmer ATB 840, Alpha170, alpha200 run $640-$750.
The problem is most people just compare cost and assume they all function the same they all make bubbles, they all skim, the cones just must be more expensive do to it being the "hot" item right now.
You have to also add in the pumps on these more expensive skimmers cost more then most of the cheaper skimmers themselves.
There are also some cheap cones running cheaper pumps out there now. E-shops, octo, ect.
jcovercash
New member
MSX - SWC Cone Skimmer for $370....
http://www.marinesolutionsinc.com/c...Cones/c22_71/p271/MSX-MiniS/product_info.html
I have one supposed to be here today to replace my MR-1 skimmer. Read a lot of good reviews....
http://www.marinesolutionsinc.com/c...Cones/c22_71/p271/MSX-MiniS/product_info.html
I have one supposed to be here today to replace my MR-1 skimmer. Read a lot of good reviews....
Whisperer
New member
I have been using my Aqua-C EV for years until my mag pump malfunctioned and made me think about a new skimmer. I decided on Octopus extreme 200 because of the reviews from RC. Well, it pulled a lot of dry skimmate in the first week that I had to wash the collection cup and the room started to smell like the LFS. I never smell this with the Aqua-C EV. I am impressed with the efficiency of my new skimmer. I am more confident that when I overfeed, my new skimmer will pull a lot of them from my water.
SnowManSnow
Member
personally i think its just a fad. now.. i haven't had any dealings with a cone, but from what ive read, and from what other reefers have reported, they are no more effective than a traditional skimmer.
the only exception is from reefers who had an inefficient skimmer to begin with, and then upgrade to one of adequate capacity ( which happens to be a cone ).
Just my opinion.
b
the only exception is from reefers who had an inefficient skimmer to begin with, and then upgrade to one of adequate capacity ( which happens to be a cone ).
Just my opinion.
b
I think that all the skimmer experts would disagree with that statement; I think it is generally accepted that cones are more efficient than traditional skimmers. Whether they are worth the extra money is another question.
fishoutawater
New member
Doesn't less turbulance in the body, and in the neck, help promote more efficient skimming? I would think for that reason alone the cone would be a better skimmer. I'm not saying it would be drastically better, but it has to help.
I replaced my standard cylinder with a cone and could'nt be more pleased. Is it a true apples to apples comparison, no, my old cylinder is not rated as high as the cone for what its worth. The results are markedly more though so I'm a believer that the cone is better.
Is it worth the addditional cost in comparison to a standard cylinder of the same quality. I really don't think so, however, I bought my cone used so I did not pay anywhere near full retail.
Is it worth the addditional cost in comparison to a standard cylinder of the same quality. I really don't think so, however, I bought my cone used so I did not pay anywhere near full retail.
rbnice1
New member
If you compare apples to apples.
Similar skimmers both with the same pump, both designed similar, only difference being one is a cone and one is not, the results are similar. Cone style is more efficient less turbulent, but both skimmers will perform about the same. The cone may perform a little better.
That said in most cases the skimmers will be similar in cost was well. As I showed with the BK vs ATB/ALPHA example. You can use octo as a example. For the new octo cone with the bubble blaster cost is $400 for the cone version that should work on up to 200 gallon systems while the the non cone version is larger and $500 and rated up to systems of 300 gallons. Both use the same pump.
Not quite a apple to apple but you get the idea.
Cone skimmers are not a fade! They are a improvement in design. They are not a huge improvement and I would not spend a lot more on a cone if a non cone that was identical in pump/build/ect and much cheaper, but if you really look and compare apples to apples you will see most cones are priced about the same as its competition.
Similar skimmers both with the same pump, both designed similar, only difference being one is a cone and one is not, the results are similar. Cone style is more efficient less turbulent, but both skimmers will perform about the same. The cone may perform a little better.
That said in most cases the skimmers will be similar in cost was well. As I showed with the BK vs ATB/ALPHA example. You can use octo as a example. For the new octo cone with the bubble blaster cost is $400 for the cone version that should work on up to 200 gallon systems while the the non cone version is larger and $500 and rated up to systems of 300 gallons. Both use the same pump.
Not quite a apple to apple but you get the idea.
Cone skimmers are not a fade! They are a improvement in design. They are not a huge improvement and I would not spend a lot more on a cone if a non cone that was identical in pump/build/ect and much cheaper, but if you really look and compare apples to apples you will see most cones are priced about the same as its competition.
cveverly
New member
I have owned both and I like the cone design. Using the same pump(s) in both skimmers the cone offers a lot more consistent and stable column of foam. There is a difference in skimmate produced but it is not a lot. In my case I would give the cone a 10%-15% advantage in output. No scientific data just my observation.
James77
Team RC
I wouldn't really call cones a "flavor of the month", they are effective and have been around a few years. I do not recall one post where somebody that owned one didn't say there was a difference in turbulence and performance. Nor have I seen posts that say they will blow any skimmer on the market out of the water or that they perform twices as well.
The reason that cones are becoming alot more popular is the price drops. More competition is coming in and the prices on them have fallen greatly. There wasn't a cone around for anything less than 1,000 a couple years ago, now you can get high end ones for half that price.
James77
Team RC
ATB, Bubble King, Warner Marine, I-tech. Coralvue has one out with a new style pump- I haven't looked at any reviews of them yet though.
NyReefNoob
skimmer freak
feel stupid for not remembering his name, but was a nice lecture on skimmers at macna. so all that say they are that much better or produce that much more what skimmer did you have on the tank before ? finding a skimmer that fits your ystem is more important then wondering if a cone is better. i personally love my vertex in 180 bubble transition is very stable at water line and up
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