Aquamaxx ConeS Q-3 Skimmer
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mcarroll
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An alternate....better features IMO:
Tunze's DOC Skimmer 9415 $584, regular price.
Gimmick-free and a real beast of a skimmer.
Not even 1.5' tall – 17".
Similar air capacity.
But only 15 watts.
The auto-self-cleaning feature that works while the skimmer cup is removed is a really nice touch. Having an optional post-filter has also been very helpful a few times. Both unique features.
Tunze's DOC Skimmer 9415 $584, regular price.
Gimmick-free and a real beast of a skimmer.
Not even 1.5' tall – 17".
Similar air capacity.
But only 15 watts.
The auto-self-cleaning feature that works while the skimmer cup is removed is a really nice touch. Having an optional post-filter has also been very helpful a few times. Both unique features.
Must smell good in your room.
Actually I can't smell my fish tanks at all. My wife has air fresheners around the entire house.
When I take the skimmer cup for a clean that's a different story. It wreaks! Almost makes me want to gag lol
OP
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haanstang
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If I was going to spend 500+ I would probably look at the lifereef but that's just me. Not apposed to tunze I've just always wanted to try a lifereef
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mcarroll
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I'd consider that too. If you're serious about that type of skimmer and not married to the idea of a needle-wheel, I'd say take a strong look at AquaC as well. Both of them are one of the few still Made In USA.
Must say I love my AquaC EV-90. That's what my Tunze replaced, but I didn't get rid of it...it's a little tank, and any kind of pump will make it go!
Compared to the prices of most needlwheel pumps you'll see, using a plain pump is a feature unto itself. 
But you need to pick some features that are important to you.
For me, that's being easy to clean every day, and being compact so it's not a pain to work around when other things need tending to.
I just find oddly shaped skimmers gimmicky – and too tall. So I shop for traditional cylinders more often than not. Doesn't mean anyone else has to tho.
Tunze is among the best of them without spending an arm and a leg. I would have picked Reef Dynamics too, up until their demise.
ksed
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We said. I also like the Tunze for the cylinder shape which allows the to keep it short. Cones need to go high in order to retain the volume.
All the other shapes are just gimmicks.
I wish Tunze would lower its price a bit.
All the other shapes are just gimmicks.
I wish Tunze would lower its price a bit.
mcarroll
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Hm. Something is wrong with the numbers.
Are you thinking of the smaller Q2 that's currently $299 on sale?
On marinedepot, it looks like the Q3 is on sale for $369 right now.
$435 normally.
That's a difference of about $150 between normal prices (not $260)....Tunze's go on sale too.
If it was down to price as the basis for picking, I'd say to have some patience and wait for a used one to come along...or a sale.
