Whats the best skimmer on the market - Page 2

pciscott · 01/06/2014, 07:02 PM

I think any skimmer with a Sicce Pump is a good choice including the AquaMax. I have two older CS2 Sea Side skimmers on my grow out tanks with Sicce PS1000 pumps and they are rock solid and start up every time. Stay away from anything with a Atman pump as they are junk and prone to start up problems. I won a AquaMax skimmer at the holiday Christmas party and have yet to try it out, but I could not resist this skimmer when it came out with a discount from Premium Aquatics and most importantly it matched the colors of my new Sump

dodgerblew · 01/06/2014, 09:07 PM

Scott which Amaxx skimmer did you get. I was planning on buying one. If you are not going to use it, maybe it can get from you

vanbro1 · 01/06/2014, 09:56 PM

Thanks for the responses everyone - right now my tank is 70 gallons. I want a skimmer that can handle 150-200g as I plan on an upgrade sooner than later. This is a SPS dominate tank with a light bioload. If I get a quality skimmer I will happily load it up!

vamaro · 01/06/2014, 09:57 PM

I have owned two Bubble Kings and now use an ATB. The overall build quality of the Bk is slightly better. The pumps are similar in performance. ATB is less expensive for a similiar rated skimmer.

mr_bigl · 01/08/2014, 03:42 PM

I have the Aquamaxx CO3. It works greats. Better than the RO Diablo 225xs did. The only issue is the Aquamaxx sell out really fast.

solitude127 · 01/08/2014, 04:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pciscott

I think any skimmer with a Sicce Pump is a good choice including the AquaMax. I have two older CS2 Sea Side skimmers on my grow out tanks with Sicce PS1000 pumps and they are rock solid and start up every time. Stay away from anything with a Atman pump as they are junk and prone to start up problems. I won a AquaMax skimmer at the holiday Christmas party and have yet to try it out, but I could not resist this skimmer when it came out with a discount from Premium Aquatics and most importantly it matched the colors of my new Sump

Nice, is that the BK Double cone?

las · 07/21/2014, 12:14 PM

Bump

Bebo77 · 07/21/2014, 03:39 PM

What ever you do avoid DELTEC!!!!!!

Bui · 07/21/2014, 03:39 PM

ATB is best for price to quality ratio.

BeanMachine · 07/21/2014, 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vanbro1

Thanks for the responses everyone - right now my tank is 70 gallons. I want a skimmer that can handle 150-200g as I plan on an upgrade sooner than later. This is a SPS dominate tank with a light bioload. If I get a quality skimmer I will happily load it up!

I would recommend the ATB 840 ... I've had mine several years now and it works great. No issues with the pump.

I have the Version 2 but I think they have a Version 3 with a double bubble plate now. Rated for a tank in the 200 gallon range but would probably work in a small tank just make sure you have the 7 to 8.5 inches of water depth in your sump.

dodgerblew · 07/21/2014, 04:37 PM

Aquamaxx cone series skimmer. Lotsa bang for not a lot of bucks

MxReEfEr92 · 07/21/2014, 07:29 PM

ATB skimmers by a long shot, pretty much worry free, local, top notch customer service. I have an 840v3 BS it's awesome

dodgerblew · 07/21/2014, 08:28 PM

What tank are you running yours on?

MxReEfEr92 · 07/21/2014, 09:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dodgerblew

What tank are you running yours on?

Tank size is irrelevant hehe umm yea 55ish gallons

solitude127 · 07/22/2014, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MxReEfEr92

ATB skimmers by a long shot, pretty much worry free, local, top notch customer service. I have an 840v3 BS it's awesome

What's the difference in the V3?

MxReEfEr92 · 07/22/2014, 11:35 AM

Double bubble plate

Aquatron · 07/22/2014, 12:26 PM

A couple of weeks ago I bought a like new H&S skimmer body/cup for a DIY project and received it Friday. I have a new XRC250 with a 1262 pump which I thought had really nice build quality until I put the H&S skimmer next to it.
Every part from the acrylic to the plumbing is better quality.........
Never seen Aquabee pumps or a H&S skimmer work but based on the quality material they use its a nice skimmer.

dwolson2 · 07/23/2014, 06:54 PM

I'm still staying with my aquamaxx, I added a neck cleaner and I haven't cleaned my skimmer in over a month. Producing nice skimmate and I don't have to touch it. Last break between cleanings was 3 months. I think this will push 6 months since last time I had a baffle that kept falling and flooding my skimmer

s2k · 07/23/2014, 10:18 PM

I run a vertex omega 150 and it skims really well for my 125g. Pretty consistent and less finicky than my previous vertex alpha 200 model.

SchnitzelReef · 07/25/2014, 09:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vanbro1

Thanks for the responses everyone - right now my tank is 70 gallons. I want a skimmer that can handle 150-200g as I plan on an upgrade sooner than later. This is a SPS dominate tank with a light bioload. If I get a quality skimmer I will happily load it up!

I would look into the bubble king 200. Either the Supermarin or the double cone.

I was looking at buying an ATB, but after I priced it out, the Bubble king wasn't that much more. Also ATB seems to rate their skimmers a little on the high side. A buddy of mine got a new ATB that was apparently rated for 400+ gallons. I saw the skimmer and it was no bigger then my SRO xp3000 that I had on my 180g tank. He is running that ATB on a 300g tank. IMO it's too small. The collection cup is probably half as big as my BK double cone 250.

bullitr · 07/25/2014, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SchnitzelReef

I would look into the bubble king 200. Either the Supermarin or the double cone.

I was looking at buying an ATB, but after I priced it out, the Bubble king wasn't that much more. Also ATB seems to rate their skimmers a little on the high side. A buddy of mine got a new ATB that was apparently rated for 400+ gallons. I saw the skimmer and it was no bigger then my SRO xp3000 that I had on my 180g tank. He is running that ATB on a 300g tank. IMO it's too small. The collection cup is probably half as big as my BK double cone 250.

What kind of Atb was it?
I bought a bk 300sm rated for 300-800 gallons and I thought it can't handle my bioload too because in smaller than I thought it will be but people assume me that I cam but unfortunately I never had a chance to test it because it was damage during shipping and we haven't gotten a refund yet..

Anyway I have a Atb 12.5 now and its almost as big as XP 8000 that are rated for 1000+ gallon. As far as Skimmer rating some company are tends to rate it higher because its very tricky, not everyone have same bioload. Euroreef was the first one to rate their skimmer lower than they are capable of doing specially the RC series.

solitude127 · 07/25/2014, 11:24 AM

I think it's the 1050a. It's on Dave's tank

daveZ · 07/27/2014, 05:20 PM

ATB hands down...
and i will bet my 1050a will produce more skim mate than his bk cone...
you up for the challenge nick?
and my ATB cost $500 less than nicks bk

SchnitzelReef · 07/27/2014, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by daveZ

ATB hands down...
and i will bet my 1050a will produce more skim mate than his bk cone...
you up for the challenge nick?
and my ATB cost $500 less than nicks bk

Hahahaha challenge accepted.

bullitr · 07/27/2014, 07:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SchnitzelReef

Hahahaha challenge accepted.

My old euroreef 250 RC produce more skimmate, finer bubble and as efficient as my Atb, Reeflo or any other skimmer I ever own, after more than 10 years on this hobby. I am pretty sure its the best I ever use, Its just freaking loud and its ugly but its still around today as reef dynamics ....

01/06/2014, 07:02 PM	#26
pciscott Pirates Cove Reef Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Cypress, CA Posts: 2,582	I think any skimmer with a Sicce Pump is a good choice including the AquaMax. I have two older CS2 Sea Side skimmers on my grow out tanks with Sicce PS1000 pumps and they are rock solid and start up every time. Stay away from anything with a Atman pump as they are junk and prone to start up problems. I won a AquaMax skimmer at the holiday Christmas party and have yet to try it out, but I could not resist this skimmer when it came out with a discount from Premium Aquatics and most importantly it matched the colors of my new Sump __________________ Scott Steinberger SCMAS/SCRK/MASNA member There is more than One Way to skin a Reef! Current Tank Info: Pirates Cove 400 Gallon Peninsula with 10 Ecotech Gen 4 Pro Lights, SPS heavy mixed Reef, Tank Controlled by Apex back up monitoring by Profilux, Tropic Marin Pro Salt, Brightwell Suplements and Bio Bricks, Way too many Fish! Keep it simple!

01/06/2014, 09:07 PM	#27
dodgerblew Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Palmdale, Ca Posts: 12,413	Scott which Amaxx skimmer did you get. I was planning on buying one. If you are not going to use it, maybe it can get from you __________________ Rik Obladi Oblada, life goes on Brah! Current Tank Info: Tankless in TX and watching from the sidelines

01/06/2014, 09:57 PM	#29
vamaro Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: San Juan Capistrano Posts: 1,334	I have owned two Bubble Kings and now use an ATB. The overall build quality of the Bk is slightly better. The pumps are similar in performance. ATB is less expensive for a similiar rated skimmer. __________________ Vince Current Tank Info: 220 Gallon Tank 72L x 30W x 24H, FOWLR, APEX Controller, ATB 1260 (Large) with Airstar 2000, Ozotech Ozone with Avast Reactor, Tripplite 750 Inverter with Optima Batteries, 72' Current USA Extreme Pro T5 light

07/21/2014, 03:39 PM	#33
Bebo77 Premium Nonpaying Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Lost Posts: 14,377	What ever you do avoid DELTEC!!!!!! __________________ Gabriel Current Tank Info: 300 Gal Envision Tank(98Lx30Wx26T) 120 Gal SoCalCreations Sump, Deltec TC2560, 2 LumenarcsMini 1 Reg on a light mover W Radiums 250& 400, Gallaxy ballasts, Red Dragon 10m3 return W/ 2 WavySeas, 2 6155 Tunze streams

07/21/2014, 04:37 PM	#36
dodgerblew Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Palmdale, Ca Posts: 12,413	Aquamaxx cone series skimmer. Lotsa bang for not a lot of bucks __________________ Rik Obladi Oblada, life goes on Brah! Current Tank Info: Tankless in TX and watching from the sidelines

01/06/2014, 09:56 PM	#28
vanbro1 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Posts: 995	Thanks for the responses everyone - right now my tank is 70 gallons. I want a skimmer that can handle 150-200g as I plan on an upgrade sooner than later. This is a SPS dominate tank with a light bioload. If I get a quality skimmer I will happily load it up!

01/08/2014, 03:42 PM	#30
mr_bigl Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: 91342 Sylmar,Ca Posts: 435	I have the Aquamaxx CO3. It works greats. Better than the RO Diablo 225xs did. The only issue is the Aquamaxx sell out really fast.

07/21/2014, 12:14 PM	#32
las Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: chicago Posts: 1,012	Bump

07/21/2014, 03:39 PM	#34
Bui Registered Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: So Cal. Posts: 991	ATB is best for price to quality ratio.

07/21/2014, 07:29 PM	#37
MxReEfEr92 MASVC President Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Simi Valley, CA Posts: 1,632	ATB skimmers by a long shot, pretty much worry free, local, top notch customer service. I have an 840v3 BS it's awesome __________________ In progress 54.6 gallon LeeMar Starfire \| 2x Ecotech Radion XR30w Gen 3 Pro \| Ecotech Mp40QD +battery back up VectraM1 \| ATB 840 Skimmer W/SCL180 \| Full APEX w/ AFS PM2 ALD PMK WXM\| Tunze 3155\| Current Tank Info: 54.6 gallon LeeMar Starfire in progress

07/21/2014, 08:28 PM	#38
dodgerblew Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Palmdale, Ca Posts: 12,413	What tank are you running yours on? __________________ Rik Obladi Oblada, life goes on Brah! Current Tank Info: Tankless in TX and watching from the sidelines

07/22/2014, 11:35 AM	#41
MxReEfEr92 MASVC President Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Simi Valley, CA Posts: 1,632	Double bubble plate __________________ In progress 54.6 gallon LeeMar Starfire \| 2x Ecotech Radion XR30w Gen 3 Pro \| Ecotech Mp40QD +battery back up VectraM1 \| ATB 840 Skimmer W/SCL180 \| Full APEX w/ AFS PM2 ALD PMK WXM\| Tunze 3155\| Current Tank Info: 54.6 gallon LeeMar Starfire in progress

07/22/2014, 12:26 PM	#42
Aquatron Refugium pat.#D414,242 Join Date: Dec 2011 Posts: 844	A couple of weeks ago I bought a like new H&S skimmer body/cup for a DIY project and received it Friday. I have a new XRC250 with a 1262 pump which I thought had really nice build quality until I put the H&S skimmer next to it. Every part from the acrylic to the plumbing is better quality......... Never seen Aquabee pumps or a H&S skimmer work but based on the quality material they use its a nice skimmer. __________________ Doctor "Aquatron" Mister "Spinner" 300 gallon TRUVU AquaSystem "Mod" w/ 150 gallon control center....... Build Thread: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2276765&highlight=300+dt+

07/23/2014, 06:54 PM	#43
dwolson2 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Rockledge Fl Posts: 1,348	I'm still staying with my aquamaxx, I added a neck cleaner and I haven't cleaned my skimmer in over a month. Producing nice skimmate and I don't have to touch it. Last break between cleanings was 3 months. I think this will push 6 months since last time I had a baffle that kept falling and flooding my skimmer __________________ 220 w/75 sump. 2 Kessil AP700s, 2- MP60, 2- MP40, 1-MP10(in sump/frag tank), Waveline DC 10000, Reef Octopus elite INT220, Radion G1(over sump/frag tank), Apex Wifi with a few extras Current Tank Info: 220 in progress

07/23/2014, 10:18 PM	#44
s2k Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Sgv Posts: 2,520	I run a vertex omega 150 and it skims really well for my 125g. Pretty consistent and less finicky than my previous vertex alpha 200 model.

07/25/2014, 11:24 AM	#47
solitude127 Proud user of IO Salt! Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Torrance, CA Posts: 9,136	I think it's the 1050a. It's on Dave's tank __________________ Mike <)))>{ <)))>{ <)))>{ <)))>{ ReefKeeping.com TOTM Nov 2012 Socalireefs Featured Reef Oct 2011 Current Tank Info: 603020, 8x54 ATI Powermodule, ReefBrite XHO, ATB Elegance 200, Aquamaxx CTech CaRx, Ecotech Vortechs, Apex Controls, WM Ecobak powered. RedSea Reefer 170, MP10, Apex Jr, Ecotech Radion XR15, Aquamaxx WS-1

07/27/2014, 05:20 PM	#48
daveZ Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: inland empire-so cali Posts: 132	ATB hands down... and i will bet my 1050a will produce more skim mate than his bk cone... you up for the challenge nick? and my ATB cost $500 less than nicks bk __________________ hi my name is dave and i am sps addict Current Tank Info: SPS