Skimmer selection for Red Sea 425

[Bossman]

I've been selecting equipment for my upcoming Red Sea Reefer 425 XL build. The 425 is 88 gal DT with 24 gal sump for a total of 112 gal.

I'm looking at the Reef Octopus Super Reef series. The 5 inch is rated for 75 gal heavily stocked and the 6" takes a big jump up to 150 gal heavily stocked tank. I don't want to go too big, but also want to get the most performance from the skimmer. Do you think the 6" would be too much?

The 6" Regal Varios is rated for 100 heavily stocked which may be the best choice.

Thoughts?

 

[rkpetersen]

No personal experience with those but the Regal Varios looks pretty nice, including Apex controllability; of those, it's definitely the one I'd go with.

I have two happy Reefer 450s. Each has an Eshopps S-200 skimmer. The older has been going for about 2 years now, original parts. I really like these skimmers, tbh. They're quiet, they have dependable Sicce pumps, they do a great job skimming, transparent venturis to see wayward snails, and large collection cups. They are AC though, so no pump output adjustment. I've heard people complain that the plastic is thin. I guess so. But if you're careful with your gear, that shouldn't be a problem. Because they are so easy to take apart compared to some other skimmers, I clean mine every month. Even with all that handling, there are no breaks or cracks anywhere. And no yellowing either, even though I use ozone with the older one.

 

[Bossman]

No personal experience with those but the Regal Varios looks pretty nice, including Apex controllability; of those, it's definitely the one I'd go with.

The Regal Varios does make sense. I kind of wanted the super because it's....super! But maybe not the right fit for this tank.

This will be my first set up using the Apex for control. It is a little intimidating for a novice like me. The videos I've seen make it seem like an easy program and hopefully once I become acquainted I will get it.

 

[Centerline]

I've been selecting equipment for my upcoming Red Sea Reefer 425 XL build. The 425 is 88 gal DT with 24 gal sump for a total of 112 gal.

I'm looking at the Reef Octopus Super Reef series. The 5 inch is rated for 75 gal heavily stocked and the 6" takes a big jump up to 150 gal heavily stocked tank. I don't want to go too big, but also want to get the most performance from the skimmer. Do you think the 6" would be too much?

The 6" Regal Varios is rated for 100 heavily stocked which may be the best choice.

Thoughts?

Vertex Omega 200i - 25% off at Marine Depot. I have one on my tank in my home office and it is one amazing , well build and dead quite skimmer.
https://www.marinedepot.com/Vertex_...fs-Vertex_Technologies-VX14200-FIPSIS-vi.html

 

[amazongb]

Bubble Magus Curve 7.. save money it works great.

 

[Bossman]

Vertex Omega 200i - 25% off at Marine Depot. I have one on my tank in my home office and it is one amazing , well build and dead quite skimmer.
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Definitely a nice looking skimmer. But the reviews I read are pretty mixed. Some say hard to tune and many say it's not silent. BRS has the same price on the Vertex, but reviews on the RO are just more consistent IMO.....

 

[Centerline]

Definitely a nice looking skimmer. But the reviews I read are pretty mixed. Some say hard to tune and many say it's not silent. BRS has the same price on the Vertex, but reviews on the RO are just more consistent IMO.....

Yup,, cant go wrong with the RO stuff. I have "Classic 202s" on reefer 450 (90 gallon) sitting right behind me at the moment. Its been running for about 18 months or so with no issues and really isn't loud at all with the doors closed. I've also had a 150 and that beast XS350. All great skimmers and never a problem. The Vertex I run WAS NOT quiet for the first 48 hours. Now you hear virtually nothing. They had a bunch of problems with the impeller when first released and I'm pretty sure that folks running into adjustment issues may need look at water height. I fixed that issue by adding fittings to the bottom of the skimmer that allowed for precise adjustments by changing the legs out. Worked out so well Ive modified all of my skimmers now. If you want to se how to do it check out the DIY thread or my 525 build.