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View Full Version : Vertex Alpha 250 or SRO XP-5000 internal & MP60 or Vertex Alpha 300


reef_enthusiast
03/17/2011, 10:08 PM
I'm looking to upgrade my current skimmer (H&S A200-2x1260).

Tank Specs: 280 gallon (72" x 30" x 30") FOWLR with another 50 gallons in the sump (can be 100 gallons if I run the refugium section). Tank has a very heavy bioload (3 large angels, 4 large tangs, male crosshatch trigger, male bluethroat trigger, picasso trigger, aussie tusk, dragon wrasse, mated true percs). I also feed heavily. Autofeeder dispenses a mix of pellets (1mm, 2mm, & 3mm new life spectrum, small and medium Formula One & Formula Two) 4 times a day. At night I feed a variety of frozen food - either PE mysis, ProSalt carnivore supreme, clams, krill, silversides.

I do weekly 45 gallon water changes. I also just started up a sulphur denitrator. Nitrates are 60-80.

Been awhile since I read about skimmers. Spent a lot of time reading reviews on here. I was leaning towards the Vertex Alpha 250. However, I stumbled upon the SRO XP-5000 internal. It's half the price and after seeing the reviews I doubt I'll be getting half the performance. For almost the same amount as the Alpha 250 I could get the SRO XP-5000i and a vortech MP60. Figured running the MP60 in nutrient export mode I'll get more waste to the skimmer. I'm currently running 2-Tunze 6105's and still have dead spots.

I'm debating between:
A) Vertex Alpha 250
B) SRO XP-5000 internal & Vortech MP60
C) Vertex Alpha 300 (IF I can squeeze it into the 18" x 18" skimmer section of my sump)

Just curious what others here would do.

Thanks.

pmrossetti
03/17/2011, 10:21 PM
I'd get the Alpha myself. Only great reviews on it. 250 will do but that's your choice. here's the 300 in action!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2vOexWiZgkw

ArmanS
03/17/2011, 10:51 PM
alpha 250 imo, great skimmer for your size setup

slief
03/17/2011, 11:03 PM
I run a 300 on my tank and its a great skimmer. I think the 300 is a bit overkill for your tank and the 250 would be a better choice.

reef_enthusiast
03/17/2011, 11:13 PM
Thanks for the replies.

How long have you been running your skimmers?
Any issues? If so, how was the customer support?

pmrossetti
03/17/2011, 11:35 PM
Here's the 250

http://www.viddler.com/explore/************/videos/17/

sorry doesn't work but it does off of google.

aandfsoccr04
10/14/2013, 03:24 PM
Also debating a bit on the Sro 5000 ext vs the vertex alpha 250. Any opinions or anyone that has used both? Tank is 220 gallons heavily stocked (5 tangs, trio of anthias, about 8 wrasses, clowns, cardinals, dwarf angels etc. )

azjohnny
10/14/2013, 03:42 PM
I would get the Alpha skimmer, the pump will process about 800gph while the BB 5000 pump only does 480 and I own a 5000 INT

viggen
10/14/2013, 06:06 PM
I do not think gph is the most important factor but more a combination of lph, gph and gallons/volume of the skimmer thus dwell time.

I would do the alpha cone only if its still made by bubble king. If its one of the ones from china I would look elsewhere

I do prefer external skimmers...... Gives much better control of skimming

aandfsoccr04
10/14/2013, 09:50 PM
Well the alpha is internal and the SRO is external. Right around the same price point.

tkeracer619
10/14/2013, 09:57 PM
You had to toss in the mp60... That IME is the best circulation pump ever made.

If it was just the skimmer to skimmer I would go with the Alpha 250 but since its a choice between what you listed I am drawn to the int5000 + mp60.

aandfsoccr04
10/15/2013, 08:54 PM
I wasn't talking about the pump. Just the skimmer to skimmer comparison.