What would you do....new skimmer or new pump on old skimmer?

[duncangweller]

Hi all,

My tank has settled into its new home and things are starting to look pretty good.

I have one little gripe at the moment and that is my skimmer. It does a great job of skimming but the OTP - 200 pump on my Reef Octopus NWB-150 absolutely wails! The noise is pretty annoying considering everything else is so quiet.

So, I have been toying with the idea of buying a Vertex Omega 150 skimmer or just buying a new pump for my old skimmer. The pumps I have been looking at are the Bubble Blaster HY3000 or possibly a Sicce pump (if it would fit).

What would you do? Drop $400 on a skimmer or pay $250 and get a quieter pump?

Any suggestions on quiet pumps that would work with my skimmer would be appreciated.

Ta,
Dunc

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[Skimmer Juice]

personally I would go new skimmer I just went through this with my euro reef, ended up buying a vertex omega 150 . Glad I did now I have some warranty and a fresh body . Much quieter as well. Plus its fun to buy new things :twised:

[kien]

This was me last week. I drop $350 on a new skimmer :-). It's so shiny and pretty! Bonus points for the fact that it works.

[FishyFishy!]

New skimmer!!! Especially if you're thinking going vertex. You wont be dissapointed.

[ronau]

I'd get a new skimmer as well. I mentioned this on another thread but J&L are putting select Vertex items on sale this month, you should keep an eye out for the skimmer you want.

[gregzz4]

If you go new, there is a brand-new skimz for sale in Truziels post
I have the same one and it's great in my 100g system
Also super quiet

[monza]

I think I'd go new skimmer.

[Proteus]

New skimmer!!! Fwiw I was not overly impressed with my omega

[mikellini]

If you go new, there is a brand-new skimz for sale in Truziels post
I have the same one and it's great in my 100g system
Also super quiet

Oh, depending on price, this is probably the best option. Skimz would have been my first choice, but due to availability and price I went with a Bubble Magus Curve 7 (very happy).

For as many people that like the Vertex Omega line, there are twice as many that seem to be frustrated with them (from what I've read).

[duncangweller]

So that begs the next question, how do I get a new skimmer past the missus? If I use the factor of ten and say it only cost $40 then she's going to see right through me.

I haven't really looked at much else other than the omega 150. I would like to try and make my mind up before black Friday as I hear they are going in sale again.

Thanks for all the advice,
Dunc

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[kien]

Fortunately a skimmer is one of those pieces of equipment that you can argue is essential to the well being of the tank. Just tell her that without an effective skimmer, the inhabitants in the tank would in effect be swimming in their own feces. Seriously, that's gross.

[intarsiabox]

So that begs the next question, how do I get a new skimmer past the missus? If I use the factor of ten and say it only cost $40 then she's going to see right through me.

I haven't really looked at much else other than the omega 150. I would like to try and make my mind up before black Friday as I hear they are going in sale again.

Thanks for all the advice,
Dunc

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Sometimes it's just better to ask for forgiveness than permission. She probably won't stay mad at you forever???

[duncangweller]

I've been reading about the Skimz 181 and the Omega 150 and they both have pretty mixed reviews. Not a while lot out there about the Skimz 181 but it seems like its pretty quiet which is a huge plus. Just trying to decide whether to pull the trigger

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[Coasting]

I jumped on the bandwagon last year and bought an omega 150 from BRS last black Friday. Cant complain. No issues thus far. Seems quiet to me, honestly cant hear it unless I open the cabinet doors (stands open on the back) and stick my face down there. I would happily buy another if I needed too.

[reef-keeper]

I have an old philosophy that if it costs over 50% of the cost of a new it is more economical to purchase a new one.

[jordanc_17]

So that begs the next question, how do I get a new skimmer past the missus? If I use the factor of ten and say it only cost $40 then she's going to see right through me.

I haven't really looked at much else other than the omega 150. I would like to try and make my mind up before black Friday as I hear they are going in sale again.

Thanks for all the advice,
Dunc

Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

You could always sell the old skimmer to someone who doesn't mind the noise? Tell the wife what you expect to make back from it and hope it sweetens the deal? Lol

[The Guy]

I have an Omega 150 and am very happy with it, got it at J&L last Christmas sale $100 off.
Give Jeff a call and see if there going be a sale item this xmas.

[ronau]

Omega 150 is on sale at J&L now.

[duncangweller]

I saw that. Its cheaper at BRS though by a good chunk

[ronau]

I saw that. Its cheaper at BRS though by a good chunk

Once you consider exchange and shipping I dunno, probably only $20 - $30 difference. If you have one problem with the skimmer, I bet you'd wish you'd bought it local.

[duncangweller]

Its $60 cheaper with BRS considering tax and shipping. But you are right about warranty.

[ronau]

Its $60 cheaper with BRS considering tax and shipping. But you are right about warranty.

How much is shipping?

I think current exchange is 1.12 but you'll never get that from your credit card so it'll be closer to 1.15 which makes it $287.49 CDN plus shipping.

[duncangweller]

I ship down to the states so its free. But I never take into consideration the warranty issue. I've had good experiences with them in the past but J&L is definitely more practical