Vertex Alpha-sizing

[Laffy]

Hi All,

I’m in the process of building a new system. DT is 120 with a 67 gallon display Refugium and 45 gallon frag. I’m guessing medium-high bio-load.
I’m looking at getting a Vertex Alpha for the system and based on the numerous reviews, their capacities don’t appear to be accurate. Most reviews appear have these skimmers rated on the conservative size due to the neck diameter. Anybody have any experience with the 170,200 or 250? If so, how would you rate it’s capacities?

 

[CC13]

Hi All,

I’m in the process of building a new system. DT is 120 with a 67 gallon display Refugium and 45 gallon frag. I’m guessing medium-high bio-load.
I’m looking at getting a Vertex Alpha for the system and based on the numerous reviews, their capacities don’t appear to be accurate. Most reviews appear have these skimmers rated on the conservative size due to the neck diameter. Anybody have any experience with the 170,200 or 250? If so, how would you rate it’s capacities?

I have the Vertex Alpha 250.

I am completely happy with it. Apart from general maintenance, it has run non-stop with no replacement parts being swapped out for the better part of 5-6 years now. I have a well over 600 gallon system and the 250 keeps up with absolutely no troubles at all.

You should know, that the newer Vertex Alpha's do not have the Red Dragon pumps like they did when I purchased the unit - they had a falling out. From what I have heard, the Vertex Pumps are still good, but they just aren't the Red Dragon one that came with mine (which is the reason why I bought the skimmer). My pump is labeled as a Red Dragon pump for my skimmer. They newer pumps use the Laguna Maxflo 1350 base.

In my opinion, a 250 is way overrated for your system. And I mean drastically. Mine handles 600 gallons with no problems. I have always bought a skimmer that can handle more because I know I will upgrade, but unless you are upgrading to a 200 gallon in the next year or so, I would recommend going with the Vertex Alpha 200 at the most.

 

[Laffy]

I noticed the alpha’s didn’t the red dragon pumps. I looked at the BK’s but I seem to be stuck in the middle where one is too small or way too big.

Thanks for feedback on your skimmer. Looks like the 200 will fit the bill. Plus the smaller footprint opens up more options for the sump.

 

[CC13]

I noticed the alpha’s didn’t the red dragon pumps. I looked at the BK’s but I seem to be stuck in the middle where one is too small or way too big.

Thanks for feedback on your skimmer. Looks like the 200 will fit the bill. Plus the smaller footprint opens up more options for the sump.

They definitely did at one point; there is a picture from my pump that's currently out for cleaning. The very top of my skimmer head cover also has 'Royal Exclusive' as well as 'Alpha' machine cut into it.

But yes, I agree, the 250 is far too large for you. Use the 200. This gives you room to continue using it if you upgrade, and also gives you great skimming for your tank now.

 

[gcarroll]

You should know, that the newer Vertex Alpha's do not have the Red Dragon pumps like they did when I purchased the unit - they had a falling out. From what I have heard, the Vertex Pumps are still good, but they just aren't the Red Dragon one that came with mine (which is the reason why I bought the skimmer). My pump is labeled as a Red Dragon pump for my skimmer. They newer pumps use the Laguna Maxflo 1350 base.

Nope, that is a myth. Vertex is not using Laguna pumps. I have been to Vertex and seen when the skimmer pumps arrive, It was just the motor in the boxes. The telltale sign with the Askoll used by Vertex and RE is the short power cord. The Laguna has a really long cord for pond applications.

 

[CC13]

Nope, that is a myth. Vertex is not using Laguna pumps. I have been to Vertex and seen when the skimmer pumps arrive, It was just the motor in the boxes. The telltale sign with the Askoll used by Vertex and RE is the short power cord. The Laguna has a really long cord for pond applications.

All I know for sure is my pump is a Red Dragon... lol

I heard some people on RC going over what to use as a replacement when their RD or Vertex pump blocks died, and they said either Askoll or Laguna.

 

[Laffy]

Vertex claims Askoll. I might order a RD pump from RE. We all know things will fail in this hobby so might as well gear up for it now.

 

[CC13]

Vertex claims Askoll. I might order a RD pump from RE. We all know things will fail in this hobby so might as well gear up for it now.

I mean if your going to buy the RD pump, why not just by a Royal Exclusive. It will cost you less just buying a RE skimmer. Skimmer comes with the pump and variable flow controller.

I bought the Alpha at the time because they essentially were a RD for less money. I can't complain as I am happy with my unit. Before this skimmer I have always used RD skimmers and when this pump goes down, I will go back to a RE skimmer. Their quality is unmatched as far an I am concerned.

https://royalexclusiv.com/Skimmer:::5.html

As far as I am concerned, the only DC pump even close to the RE quality are are Abyzz pumps and they don't make skimmers.

 

[Laffy]

This is where I’d be buying my BK skimmer from and the 250 is the only one I’d have to look or or the 170. I’d like to stay with a cone skimmer if possible. The 250 is rated for 400g which I would this is too my humph for my anticipated system.

http://bigshowfrags.com/bubble-king-double-cone-250-rd3-speedy/

 

[CC13]

This is where I’d be buying my BK skimmer from and the 250 is the only one I’d have to look or or the 170. I’d like to stay with a cone skimmer if possible. The 250 is rated for 400g which I would this is too my humph for my anticipated system.

http://bigshowfrags.com/bubble-king-double-cone-250-rd3-speedy/

Your in Canada?

lol your a local reefer!

 

[Laffy]

Lol, yep, in Ottawa to be exact.

 

[CC13]

Lol, yep, in Ottawa to be exact.

LOL Ya I recognized them they are in the city.