Reefer 450 - Skimmer

[jazzmik]

So, I have to get a new skimmer for Reefer 450. Waiting on Black Friday.

Recommendations?

Ones I'm considering at the moment:

- Bubble Magnus Curve 7
- Vertex Omega 180i
- Aquamaxx co-2

Others? Trying to stay in that 3-400 range.

 

[Ty Hamatake]

It's not on your list, but I just recently got the Skimz Octa SC165I and I love it. Super easy tuning, feels like a quality piece of equipment, and in my opinion looks good.

 

[jazzmik]

Was looking at that one also. Open for all options that fit the Reefer 450.

Thx

 

[T-Bucket]

I have the Reef Octopus Classic 202-S on mine and it works awesome. A little on the louder side but when the doors are closed it's not as loud. A lot of people are using the Nyos 160 but that's a hefty price tag of $500.

 

[Broadfield]

Nyos 120 if you don't have a heavy load... Nyos 160 if you do.

 

[dragon99]

BRS has the Vertex 180 on sale, can't go wrong there.
http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/vertex-omega-180i-protein-skimmer.html

 

[jazzmik]

BRS has the Vertex 180 on sale, can't go wrong there.
http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/vertex-omega-180i-protein-skimmer.html

Great price. Looking at it now. Just wondering if it's too big for the space.

 

[dragon99]

I have the Vertex 150 in a Reefer 350, fits fine in the sump,

Since the 180i has an internal mounted pump, I'd say your golden.

 

[jazzmik]

I have the Vertex 150 in a Reefer 350, fits fine in the sump,

Since the 180i has an internal mounted pump, I'd say your golden.

Good deal. Think I'm going to order it tomorrow morning. Price is right.

Have you had any issues with the impeller that I've read in some of the reviews?

 

[jazzmik]

But that Nyos is looking good also. Just not sure if it will go on sale for BF.

 

[Ty Hamatake]

Was looking at that one also. Open for all options that fit the Reefer 450.

Thx

Skimz are also on sale at BRS. I am actually using a Reefer 350 sump and it fits with a little room to spare. In a 450 you'd have plenty of space for reactors and whatnot.

 

[dragon99]

I haven't had any issues with my 150, other than being a little picky to tune at first (had to get the water depth right). I did read those review today and took mine off of my Apex feed mode now.

 

[Antics]

I think it's really hard to skip the sale on the Vertex right now. I think the Nyos or the Reef Octopus Regal line are also excellent skimmers. However, the 180 may be a better choice because it's vertex, and I think it will most likely maintain the best resale value of the other big brands listed.

 

[jazzmik]

Went ahead and ordered the Vertex Omega 180i from @Bulk Reef Supply.

 

[LittleMaui]

Definitely DON'T recommend the Bubble Magus. They would not work with me on defective equipment.

 

[CODE3EMT]

I have the Vertex Omega 180i on my Reefer 450. It is a sweeeeeeeet skimmer, but I won't lie to you it's a bit of a PITA to get dialed in. Once you hit that sweet spot.......................Amazing!

 

[CODE3EMT]

Oh and before I forget. You WILL have to build a stand for it. The reefer sump is 10 inches of water, rest assure the Vertex will not work that deep. You will need to raise her up to about 7 1/2 to 8 inches to skim properly. Also don't try to just tweak the pipe that controls the water level in the skimmer. You MUST raise it. Good luck, Its a beast of a skimmer......... built like an M1A1 Abrams tank, and comes in a gigantic iPhone type box.

 

[CODE3EMT]

I meant raise a couple of inches so that it sits in 7 1/2 to 8 inches of water.........sorry for the confusion.

 

[CODE3EMT]

I don't know how to post pictures on this forum.............after you raise it you will have 5 inches from the top of the skimmer lid to the top of the Red Sea stand. 1 year old and no issues with the impeller. Be patient all skimmers will have to break in, my 180i took a couple of weeks before micro bubbles went away.

 

[bigdiscus513]

swc best skimmer ever