Skimz Skimmer sm203 or sm253?

[goody]

I think I've decided on a Skimz skimmer for my upcoming build. Problem is I don't know which model. BRS and Skimz have a very bug difference in their tank ratings.

Tank will be 200-210g with 60-70g sump. Sps dominanat and heavy bioload, so I'm torn between the sm203 and sm253.

Would like to see if anybody is using either of these and on what size tank and bioload.

 

[FarmerTy]

Go with BRS's ratings... I found the manufacturer ratings to be a bit generous for Skimz...

 

[FarmerTy]

But just a heads up, BRS was frustrated at the inability to order replacement pumps and parts from them sometimes. We had a local guy have to wait 3 months for a replacement impeller... BRS just eventually opened up a brand new skimmer and pulled the impeller for him because they felt so bad.

 

[goody]

But just a heads up, BRS was frustrated at the inability to order replacement pumps and parts from them sometimes. We had a local guy have to wait 3 months for a replacement impeller... BRS just eventually opened up a brand new skimmer and pulled the impeller for him because they felt so bad.

Do you know if this was recent? Seems like there were pump issues earlier on, but have since been "fixed".

 

[FarmerTy]

Last 6 months.

 

[FarmerTy]

I had the Skimz SM201 on my 215-gallon SPS-dominant tank and thought it was doing well until I got a Reef Octopus skimmer rated for 450g and it blew the similarly rated Skimz skimmer away in performance. That's why I say to not put much weight to the Skimz rating and trust BRS's rating. FWIW, I thought the Skimz was an amazing skimmer, just wish the skimmer capacity matched their ratings as when you run with their true rating, its not so much of a deal anymore.

 

[goody]

Last 6 months.

Yikes! That's pretty recent.

I had the Skimz SM201 on my 215-gallon SPS-dominant tank and thought it was doing well until I got a Reef Octopus skimmer rated for 450g and it blew the similarly rated Skimz skimmer away in performance. That's why I say to not put much weight to the Skimz rating and trust BRS's rating. FWIW, I thought the Skimz was an amazing skimmer, just wish the skimmer capacity matched their ratings as when you run with their true rating, its not so much of a deal anymore.

Thanks for reply. Any specific reason you chose the Reef Octopus over a larger Skimz?

 

[FarmerTy]

Replacement parts easier to obtain. I don't want to be down and out for 3 months if an impeller breaks.

 

[Joel B in FL]

I am running the SV223 oval skimmer on my 180.

When I first got the skimmer it came out of the box with a bad pump but BRS shipped me a new pump within just a couple of days so I will say that BRS is great with their customer service in resolving the issue.

Once I got the skimmer up and going with the new pump I haven't had any issues with it. It pulls some of the nastiest black coffee out of the water I have ever smelled. I had a small biocube before I got my 180 so I really can't compare how the Skimz works versus other skimmers but I am very happy with it.

 

[goody]

I am running the SV223 oval skimmer on my 180.

When I first got the skimmer it came out of the box with a bad pump but BRS shipped me a new pump within just a couple of days so I will say that BRS is great with their customer service in resolving the issue.

Once I got the skimmer up and going with the new pump I haven't had any issues with it. It pulls some of the nastiest black coffee out of the water I have ever smelled. I had a small biocube before I got my 180 so I really can't compare how the Skimz works versus other skimmers but I am very happy with it.

I kind of like the looks of the oval but space is not an issue, so most likely going with the sm203,sm253 or maybe even a leopard model. When did you order your skimmer? My tank is not ready but want to buy skinnier during Black Friday sales. Sounds like I would need to test it early.

 

[Joel B in FL]

I kind of like the looks of the oval but space is not an issue, so most likely going with the sm203,sm253 or maybe even a leopard model. When did you order your skimmer? My tank is not ready but want to buy skinnier during Black Friday sales. Sounds like I would need to test it early.

I bought mine back in April. Yea if you are going to get one Black Friday or probably better yet cyber Monday would be the best time to get one. If you are going through BRS just make sure you are a preferred reefer so you get your points.

 

[sawdonkey]

I've been running the SM201 for nearly 3 years on about 250 gallons of water. It pulls plenty of disgusting brown skimmate out and it STINKS. The pump has never caused any problems and I've only cleaned it about once per year. I can't compare with other skimmers if it's size, but the SM201 gets the job done.

 

[goody]

I've been running the SM201 for nearly 3 years on about 250 gallons of water. It pulls plenty of disgusting brown skimmate out and it STINKS. The pump has never caused any problems and I've only cleaned it about once per year. I can't compare with other skimmers if it's size, but the SM201 gets the job done.

This makes me think I can get the sm203. I just don't want to be undersized. Some members of my local reef club told me my SRO2000int was undersized on my last tank?

Would you say you have a heavy bioload?How many fish do you have?

 

[sawdonkey]

This makes me think I can get the sm203. I just don't want to be undersized. Some members of my local reef club told me my SRO2000int was undersized on my last tank?

Would you say you have a heavy bioload?How many fish do you have?

Only 8 fish but they are big fish (two tangs, two angels, two triggers, one wrasse, and a clown.