sro-3000 or xp-2000

[dibeezy]

Bout to buy a skimmer for an unstocked, just cycling, 5x2x2 ( 150 gal ) tank. Plan on having sps as I have had success with my 40 gallon breeder tank with lps( under the impression that the water volume being so much larger i have a little more room for slight error or overdosing). 40 breeder sump with about 28 gallons of water. Also thinking of aqua maxx brand. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[Humu Humu]

Take your time before you buy one of these. I am not very happy with my new (one month old) SRO 3000 internal. It is LOUD and getting LOUDER every day. I will be taking the pump apart tonight to see if there is something wrong with it, but it vibrates and is loud, to the point of hearing it in the next room. The unit produces quite a lot of bubbles, which are very happy about hanging around in the neck of the unit, but don't want to foam into the cup. This thing has been running for 5 weeks now and still operates the same. No skimmate (unless it overflows) and loud as can be.

I may be sending the pump back. There is another (very long thread) on these units, with noise being an issue.

[dibeezy]

Thanks. The xp cone uses the the BB 2000 pump which should be a little quieter. Jus curious if I'm pushing it to the limit with around 178 gallons of water volume on a skimmer rated at 180?

[whorulz1147]

It is my understanding that the xp cones are slightly underrated. That is to say, the xp-2000 should be able to handle 180 gallons with a heavy bioload. I am using mine for a 230g system and feel comfortable. See this thread, post#7 http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1739640&highlight=xp+2000+cone

-al-

[dibeezy]

Thanks for the thread. Big help, pics and #'s!