vertex alpha 170 vs bubble king mini 160

[clowndude]

I've been going back and fourth on which skimmer to get. This skimmer will be run on my 65 and later on when I upgrade to my 105 tank hopefully here in the next 6 months so I want to buy a skimmer that can handle that tank also. This will be run on an sps tank with a decent amount of fish in it.

Question is which one to get. I'm leaning towards the vertex because the cone design, but I'm curious peoples thoughts on this one.

 

[wrasseluver]

I would say the alpha 170 if you have the room in the sump. Also it's the same pump and it's a few hundred cheaper. If room in the sump is at a premium I would go with the 160.

 

[chestnud]

I run a alpha 170 on my 65g mixed reef, works great. I will be putting it on a new 120g once my move is complete. There are also 11 fish in the 65g right now, so also a fairly heavy load.

 

[clowndude]

I run a alpha 170 on my 65g mixed reef, works great. I will be putting it on a new 120g once my move is complete. There are also 11 fish in the 65g right now, so also a fairly heavy load.

Sounds exactly like what I've got going on. I believe I'm around 10-11 fish also myself. I'm kind of afraid to count. How long have you had the vertex?

 

[clowndude]

I would say the alpha 170 if you have the room in the sump. Also it's the same pump and it's a few hundred cheaper. If room in the sump is at a premium I would go with the 160.

I have an idea that should make it fit in the sump I have now. If not I'm going to get a custom sump made to fit it which at my cost wouldn't be very much.

 

[lps1212]

I like both skimmers can't go wrong ither way I had the alpha version and now I'm running a Bk mini 180. Both skimmers do the job well

 

[kirkleigh84]

I ran alpha 170 on my 120 I use to have. Had 17 fish in it and it did a great job

 

[chestnud]

Sounds exactly like what I've got going on. I believe I'm around 10-11 fish also myself. I'm kind of afraid to count. How long have you had the vertex?

Its been on the tank for 6-7 months now.

 

[clowndude]

Ordered my vertex today. Was told it would take about 10 weeks to get it since they are hand made.

 

[minhvu]

10 weeks? That's a long time to make a skimmer. Where u ordered from? I'm sure u could get it from PA in 3-4days

 

[clowndude]

Proline Aquatic. They were out of them and have to wait for the next pallet to come in. Eta was 10 weeks, was happy about that, but it is what it is.

 

[BHHOWARD]

Bulk Reef Supply has them in stock: Vertex - Bulk Reef Supply
It appears that Premium Aquatics also has them in stock: Vertex Premium Aquatics - Vertex Aquarium Supplies

 

[clowndude]

I'll call premium aquatics tomorrow and ses if they can get it sooner to me. Thanks

 

[clowndude]

Great news, I was able to get one from premium and it will be here this Wednesday. Thanks everybody for the help