skimmer face off

spscrackhead · Apr 28, 2016

In one corner we have the reef octopus 200 elite and in the other we have the vertex omega 200i.

This will be for a 175 sps tank (I intend to add a 80 gal frag tank down the road) and will be housed in a trigger emerald 39. The reef octo just barely fits with .5" clearance and the internal vertex fits with swimming room. I would like to mount the pump on the vertex externally, I have read The motor can also be mounted outside of the skimmer body with a custom mount. Has anyone ever done this?
There is a bit price jump with the vertex which I can live with.

I am also open to recirc models as well like the skimz kone sk222 or their sm202. So many choices!.

Was looking for opinions and if anyone had any other models they would like to toss in the ring. It must be a brand that either premium aquatics or BRS carry as I have gift certificate/ store credit.

Thanks guys

Winschuc · Apr 28, 2016

I run a skimz internal on my 93 (SN 143) and an external SRO 6000 on my 150 (about 200 total water with heavy load). Both work great. It's really just up to preference. The Skimz models are pretty awesome in my opinion, especially for the price!

mcarroll · Apr 28, 2016

Tunze 9410.

Or if you think it's justified based on total system size, jump up to a 9415 ($584...and it's a monster).

The 9415 is probably a closer match to the two skimmers you named. It's not especially small in footprint (14"x11" base, including optional bag filter), but it's quite short, so very easy to work on.

It sounds like you have the Reef Octopus already (right?)...why not just stick with that? If it works, that's usually my first choice no matter what.

JPSika08 · Apr 28, 2016

I have Reef Octopus 300 SSS Int, it's my 5th RO Skimmer, no complains. Tough decision as Vertex is a great unit as well.

mcarroll · Apr 28, 2016

With no complaints....what about spending that money toward automatic water changes (or other)? Just a thought...will leave it at that.

acan lord · Apr 28, 2016

I do apologize for any confusion, I don't have any skimmer at this time. I am looking to purchase one!

acan lord · Apr 28, 2016

oops wrong thread! haha

spscrackhead · Apr 28, 2016

Yeah what he said, I don't have a skimmer yet. Lol

Newb73 · Apr 29, 2016

I have the vertex knock off elite. It's a cone skimmer with a dc controllable cup. It has the extra heavy pvc lid and materials, and is well made. To be honest it sets in my 90g most neglected now days. As crazy as it sounds, I like my aquamzx cone s better. The plastic is more flimsy but it is lighter, I much more trust the Sicce pump than I do even the newer DC controllable pumps on the RODC (the DC pumps have all turned out to be dogs as far as I am concerned with the exceptions of the vortechs and the new Apex Wavs). The Cone S has cones in the bubble plate and a cone neck, its easy to disassemble, clean, reassemble, adjust and skimes well. The RO however is also something you can fully disassemble and performs well for the most part.

jetmaker · Apr 29, 2016

Aqua Max c01 or c02

mcarroll · Apr 29, 2016

spscrackhead said:
Yeah what he said, I don't have a skimmer yet.

Definitely Tunze 9415....but I just noticed neither vendor you mentioned carries them!!! :mad:

Really surprised at BRS...

Maybe a reef buddy would buy your gift cert and store credit so you could spend the money elsewhere?

MarcWeaver · Apr 29, 2016

I have the Reef Octopus Elite 220INT on my 325 gallon system and absolutely love it. Well crafted, easy to disassemble and clean, and extremely consistent.

Before I broke it down, I also had a second system with a Vertex Omega 150 on it. Not quite apples-to-apples, but that skimmer performed extremely well too. It was very touchy and easy to over-adjust. It tended to overflow with just the slightest adjustment, but that could have been system-related. It was much more confined in its chamber that the RO 220 is. It took me a while to get it dialed in, but when I did it was great.

I don't think you will be disappointed with either of your initial choices.

De Michieli · Apr 29, 2016

I was having the same issue for my 150 but I decided on the vertex. The quality to what I am lead to believe is top notch .

reefwiser · Apr 29, 2016

Royal Exclusiv use to make Vertex skimmers for them and so the HAD top notch quality.

savage · May 4, 2016

I personally have the Vertex Omega 200i and love everything about it.. The build quality is 2nd to none and it works wonderful in my 220 gallon tank..

spscrackhead · May 4, 2016

savage said:
I personally have the Vertex Omega 200i and love everything about it.. The build quality is 2nd to none and it works wonderful in my 220 gallon tank..

What is your bio load like?