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.
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.