ER RS180 vs. Oct Extreme 200 vs. Vertex IN180

[albertan22]

I've been doing a lot of research trying to pick out a skimmer for a 120g w/40g sump setup that I'm planning. Important features for me are noise (quiet as possible) and energy efficiency.

I was leaning towards to the Euro Reef for a long time, but I've heard that the GenX4100 pump on that skimmer is very loud. I've also read about a lot of other problems with this pump.

The Vertex also looks like a decent skimmer, and is cheaper, but it seems to be an energy hog.

The Octopus Extreme would then seem to be my best choice, but I don't have a lot of information on it, the RC thread seems to be all about mesh modding the thing, which I wouldn't be into. Would this be a decent skimmer for the begining reefer?

I know this is like asking a crowd for their opinion between Chev., Ford and Dodge, but I could use a little advice to tip the scales.

Thanks!

[tdsounds]

I'm about to setup a 120g also and debating on skimmers. I guess I subscribe to see if anyone else would chime in also. I was considering an ATI BM 200 or octopus extreme 200.

[frenchie]

vertex are not energy hogs the pump on 180 says 70 watts but only pulls like 40 watts or less cause once you introduce air to pump it will not pull full wattage cause it doesn't work as hard. If it was pushing all water than it would be 70 watts. the vertex 100 seem to a production flaw according premium aquatics with warped shafts on impellars and there locking up but both marine depot and premium aquatics will replace no questions asked. i have vertex 180 and love it, i wanted msx 200 but foot print is same size as skimmer compartment and didn't want to take chance. I like euroreef skimmers i have on my 75 gallon, i like vertex for same reason i like my euroreef they both have long skimmer neck and smooth transition for bubbles. You msx and vertex cost less than euroreefs and so you got a hard decision to make i couldn't pick one from another i've seen all 3 skimmers in action and all are good skimmers.

[j tavares]

I would go for the Vertex very good skimmer for the price and I v=never liked Euroreef for their poor customer service and attitude so now they are left behind. Nice to see good skimmers reasonbly priced so more hobbyiests can have them available to them!!!

[moondoggy4]

I would think that the Er RS 180 would be oversized for your tank. I have a CS 8/2 and it is oversized for my 150 gallon total water volume.

[albertan22]

I've been debating whether that would be too much as well moondoggy4. I do like a display with lots of fish, and people on other threads have told me to go with a larger skimmer than is rated for my tank volume. Though I'm new to saltwater and am not sure what constitutes a normal or high bioload according to skimmer manufacturers.

I don't think I'd be as hesitant going with the ER RS135 as I am with choosing the RS180 since the RS135 has a Sedra pump which I understand to be better than GenX.

[GSMguy]

Go for the octo

Sicce>sedra

[tman917]

I have a ER cs180 running my 220 with total water volume of 380 and must say it does a good job for a little skimmer. I think the rs180 would be a great skimmer for your size tank and should not be very loud either. Euro-Reef is very hard to contact should you need customer support though.

[J.R.L.]

i run a octo extreme 200 on my 120 and LOVE it, and also the stock pinwheel pulls out a ton of crap as well, i would go with it if i were you, it is very quiet

[moondoggy4]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14132647#post14132647 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by tman917
I have a ER cs180 running my 220 with total water volume of 380 and must say it does a good job for a little skimmer. I think the rs180 would be a great skimmer for your size tank and should not be very loud either. Euro-Reef is very hard to contact should you need customer support though. I just call them use ext 17 and leave a message Jeff will call you back I would ask him about the ER skimmer.

[JACOXVIII]

i like my vertex in250 a lot
nice and quiet