Let's talk about skimmers

Aquattro · #1 08-24-2014, 02:45 PM

Ok, I need a skimmer. After trying to run three different BK minis, all now broken, I need to figure out what to add to my sump.
Currently running a borrowed BK mini 180, it's ok. Built like a truck, quiet, blah blah, doesn't pull what it's rep says it should. That's ok, I didn't really expect it to.
Anyway, what are you guys using that you feel is doing a great job? I have a height restriction of about 25 inches.
Total water volume, 107g. Medium load, but feed heavy.

Looked at the Vertex Omega 150, owners tell me it's a bit under powered and probably best for 90g or less. (They actually said 75g, I'm being generous)
The 180i looks good, and probably the top of my price range. Remember, lots of dollars just went out on BK Betta Bowls.

Things I'm trying to factor in are initial cost, performance, cost and availability of replacement parts (the big downfall for BK). Noise level, not a huge factor, but quieter is more betterer.
I don't care much about build quality, it will sit in my sump untouched for the next 5 years. Seriously, I don't want to touch it until I tear the tank down

Ok, whatcha got?

Oh, Peter, I WILL delete you -lol

apexifd · #2 08-24-2014, 02:49 PM

Skimz?

Aquattro · #3 08-24-2014, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by apexifd

Skimz?

4 minutes, not as hung over as I thought you'd be

Aquattro · #4 08-24-2014, 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by apexifd

Skimz?

Not opposed to skimz, model in mind?

MarkoD · #5 08-24-2014, 02:58 PM

I have the csc 250 which is the skimz e series 201.

Works great but I'm not sure if it'll fit your height restriction

Aquattro · #6 08-24-2014, 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarkoD

I have the csc 250 which is the skimz e series 201.

Works great but I'm not sure if it'll fit your height restriction

22 inches, looks like?

MarkoD · #7 08-24-2014, 03:02 PM

Actually yeah that looks right.

Ron99 · #8 08-24-2014, 03:02 PM

I have an Omega 150 on my 120 with 40 breeder sump and it is puling dark green crap consistently. I have heard of people using them on much larger systems and being happy with them. If anything, it's overpowered and won't foam well on a smaller system or one with a low bioload in my experience.

Aquattro · #9 08-24-2014, 03:02 PM

How is the water height adjusted on those?

xenon · #10 08-24-2014, 03:03 PM

Have you considered Deltec?

I was a huge fan of Vertex until I bought a couple Deltec's. Now I use them exclusively in store and only have one Vertex Alpha 250 left to swap out with a Deltec.

The Deltec SC 1455 would be a good choice for you.