Best skimmer out there?

Slick Fork · #1 10-22-2010, 05:00 PM

As lastlight mentioned, depends on your budget. I'd recommend a nice midrange vertex or Bubble Magus. Consider what a "High-End" skimmer costs and decide if the extra $500-$2000 could be better spent elsewhere. My vertex (Gen1) pump is not the quietest or most energy efficient but the money I didn't spend on a super fancy gold plated skimmer pump is money I have to spend elsewhere on my system (IE a really nice controller or better lights, etc.).

lastlight · #2 10-22-2010, 05:03 PM

Well yeah if I didn't have to save and scrimp for a build and I was well off nothing I said would apply. I'm sure I'd go high-end once more.

sphelps · #3 10-22-2010, 05:06 PM

Where do you get a gold plated skimmer pump from? I want one!

gobytron · #4 10-22-2010, 05:15 PM

Honestly, I LOVE my deltec APF701.

Incredible RC Skimmer and whisper quiet to boot.

Great for around 800$

randallino · #5 10-22-2010, 05:32 PM

You get what you pay for. I love my BK easy to clean, empty, take apart etc, and does a great job. If you what to spend less than you're most likely going to get something made in China. Oh by the way the pump isn't gold plated.

Aquattro · #6 10-22-2010, 05:47 PM

I've got a Euroreef CS8-3+ and couldn't be happier. Got it used for $300 and it will handle any tank I might ever upgrade to..

lastlight · #7 10-22-2010, 05:52 PM

You need to dream bigger then Brad. For shame you should be able to even think such a thing =)

Doug · #8 10-22-2010, 10:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by randallino

You get what you pay for. I love my BK easy to clean, empty, take apart etc, and does a great job. If you what to spend less than you're most likely going to get something made in China. Oh by the way the pump isn't gold plated.

Just for the sake of argument, let me disagree with that.

I seen and cleaned both of Mike,s BK skimmers and although superb pieces of equipment, I would have taken the Deltec he had before those. The price was less also and not made in China. Then again, whats the matter with that?? The SWC 160 I just used, had to be the best skimmer i have used for smaller tanks.

I,m sure their larger version is just as good.

Also, again just my opinion. Before I would spend a $1000 plus on a skimmer I would go back to a beckett, with a proper pump and puts its waste collection up against anything else.

Aquattro · #9 10-23-2010, 06:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doug

I would go back to a beckett, with a proper pump and puts its waste collection up against anything else.

I'm tempted to hook up my Bullet 2 and see how it compares to the ER...probably would do well, but the pump would be too loud, me thinks...

Lance · #10 10-23-2010, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doug

Also, again just my opinion. Before I would spend a $1000 plus on a skimmer I would go back to a beckett, with a proper pump and puts its waste collection up against anything else.

I run a dual Beckett on my larger tank and although it is certainly not cost-efficient and definitely noisy, (that's why I keep it in a closet) I love it.