Skimmer pricing

[somebloke]

What's the deal with skimmer pricing? I'm assembling my first reef aquarium. The pricing for most components seems reasonable but I'm really taken aback at how much "popular" skimmers cost. They seem to be relatively simple things but, some of the prices I've seen, you'd think they were intelligent with an onboard microcontroller and software control.

Any recommendations on a humble performer for a display/sump setup with 180g total?

 

[redfishbluefish]

My recommendation, post a "Want to Buy" for a skimmer

Between folks getting out of the hobby and those who now have multiple skimmers in the closet because they are too lazy to post "For Sale" posts (that's me!), I'm sure you'd be able to pick up one of these simple pieces of plastic from half to three quarters of original cost.

Now, if you want a becketted skimmer, I'm the one you want to talk to!

 

[Bluefish9]

What's the deal with skimmer pricing? I'm assembling my first reef aquarium. The pricing for most components seems reasonable but I'm really taken aback at how much "popular" skimmers cost. They seem to be relatively simple things but, some of the prices I've seen, you'd think they were intelligent with an onboard microcontroller and software control.

Any recommendations on a humble performer for a display/sump setup with 180g total?

You'll find that goes on a lot in this hobby... not just with skimmers... everyone always raves about xyz product and it supports double to triple its real value.

 

[hpimichael02]

Coralvue.com has the reef octopus external skimmers starting at 300$ for the 150ext and 450$ fir the 300ext... by far best bang for your buck and they come with upgraded pumps....they are usually in the $700-900 range

 

[hpimichael02]

I'm sorry the 170ext these are rated for your size tank, I have mine on a 85g tank,
http://www.coralvue.com/regal-170ext-recirculating-protein-skimmer

 

[ss95003]

Depends on what you are looking for. High end skimmers come with pumps that never need to be tinkered with. They never need a tap to start up and the craftsmanship on them is top notch. A Kia is not a BMW. They both are cars but they're not the same.

 

[hpimichael02]

Depends on what you are looking for. High end skimmers come with pumps that never need to be tinkered with. They never need a tap to start up and the craftsmanship on them is top notch. A Kia is not a BMW. They both are cars but they're not the same.

Can't buy a Kia and expect ferrari performance

 

[somebloke]

Can't buy a Kia and expect ferrari performance

True, but balance that with the fact that hobbyists can be weak to hype and wishes....I mean there are audiophiles who buy "turbo" digital audio cables

 

[ss95003]

Do your research and buy what you can afford or think is best bang for your buck. There is a difference between top end, mid range and low end. If you think it's hype that's fine.