Which bubble king skimmer to get?

[stellarfly]

Looking for a vote between two bubble king skimmers.

My future tank build will be about 120 gallons with about 40g sump. It will be a mixed reef with a moderate bio load. I am for sure getting a bubble king so that is set, but I'm torn between getting either the double cone 150 or double cone 180. I've read on reef central that both would work as bubble king's tend to be under rated for what the specs say. I just don't want to get a skimmer that will be either too under powered or way too big. I'm leaning towards the 180 but just wanna make sure that its right for the job. Jeremy on reef central said this would be the biggest skimmer he would put on a tank of this size. I would like to have a consistent skim and not worry about an oversized skimmer performing poorly. Let me know your thoughts.

[Ram3500]

Cones are cool but I love love my BK mini 200 . So easy to use , I have never had a problem with nitrate since I got it and I have five tangs total system 200g

[The Guy]

For a 120 G and a 40 G sump you may want to consider using the Vertex Omega 150. some reviews talk about impeller problems, but so far after several months of service no problems at all.
http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/vertex-omega-150-protein-skimmer.html

[lastlight]

Agree with recommendation of omega 150. Mine has been trouble free for over a year.

[reefwars]

I would do the 200 as overskimming isn't an issue.

An omega 150 barely does your systems volume , plus I find them finicky to tune in .

[stellarfly]

Thanks for all the advice. I will have to agree with Reefwars on this one, the Vertex Omega's I hear they are hard to tune. At least that has been the consensus over at Concept Aquatics. They are running omega 150 on their system and wish they had a little more skimming power.

[Scuba Diver Gal]

I have a vertex omega 150, It wasn't to hard to tune but when i got it going it produces some crazy skim mate

[kazzman]

I've had my bubble king mini 250 for a few years and I find it at best to be a pain in the ass I have to adjust way to much

[scubadawg]

I use a Deltec 2060SC in my 190 gal and 75 gallon sump

http://www.theaquariumsolution.us/deltec-sc-2060-internal-0

[Coleus]

I had my BK deluxe 250 and love it, just set and forget.

[sphelps]

I'd stick with your original plan of buying a bubble king. Yes other skimmers work like so many have kindly pointed out but in terms of long term reliability and overall build quality BK will likely always be the popular choice. My SM250 has been in service for close to ten years now and not only has it never had an issue it's still regarded as one of the best skimmers available and still sells today, virtually unchanged, for the same or more than what I paid 10 years ago. Is there another brand that can say the same?

As far as the size choice between 150 or 180 it's pretty simple. 150 if you have no intention of adding more volume and 180 if you do... With BK skimmers you're better off sizing it properly than going overkill, if you go too big it won't be as effective.

[lastlight]

where do you even buy a bk these days? is it only direct from RE?

[Ram3500]

Reef Supplies has them

[Scythanith]

I have been told that you don't want to oversize a BK skimmer. Like Steve said, it won't run as efficiently. I have a BK 250 double cone with a RD3 pump and it is severely under fed right now :) I need more fish.

[stellarfly]

Thanks to all for responding to my thread, I followed my gut and pulled the trigger on the Bubble King Double Cone 180! Got a fantastic deal online that I could not refuse. I'm sure this skimmer is gonna turn out to be a beast of a skimmer. Can't wait to feel the quality and see it in action.