Vertex, Deltec, or Reef octopus?

[PegasisR]

Wanted to know which one would be a good choice for a heavy bioload 525xl(108gallon display) and which model specifically. Thank you

 

[Ctg0209]

Wanted to know which one would be a good choice for a heavy bioload 525xl(108gallon display) and which model specifically. Thank you

I use a reef octopus 150sss for my 90g. It works well and I believe it was less expensive than some of the other similar skimmers. The only thing I wish it had was the threaded cup. When the cup fills up it can be a bit of a pain to get the cup off without spilling. This would lead me to purchase a Vertex for my next skimmer.

 

[PatW]

Skimmers are pretty simple devices. They are essentially tubes with something that makes bubbles at the bottom. You want one that is well constructed. Also having a valve that allows very fine adjustment, like a gate valve, is good. It is also good to have a skimmer that is over rated for your system. Many manufacturers rate skimmers pretty optimistically. Bulk Reef Supply has their own rating of the capacity of skimmers they sell.

Another thing to consider is how a skimmer will fit in your sump. Is the cabinet tall enough for it to fit? Is there enough overhead height to easily remove the cup. Is it possible to remove the skimmer fairly easily for cleaning and maintenance?

All of the brands you mentioned have good reputations.

 

[Tikosyn]

I have a reef octopus regal 200 int on my 160g and I fricken love it. DC pump with a controller and really quiet, easy to clean. The 150 would probably be good for your size tank.

 

[revhtree Verified Admin]

All I can say is I am using the RO 300INT and it's the best skimmer I have ever used. Set it up and haven't had to adjust it once! Keeps my 450g of water clean!

 

[PegasisR]

Thank you all so much for the help! I think i will go the Reef oct route seeing I have only heard good things and this thread cemented it.

 

[revhtree Verified Admin]

Thank you all so much for the help! I think i will go the Reef oct route seeing I have only heard good things and this thread cemented it.

Honestly I have used several other skimmers and I would not recommend them like I would RO based on the experience I have had with this one.

 

[Jimbo662]

I've had a couple of Vertex skimmers in the past and am currently running the Reef Octopus 150INT 6" with a Varios pump on a 130g tank. While the vertex skimmers are very good they can be pretty temperamental getting dialed in and can take a couple of weeks to break in. I broke the body of the vertex 150 I had been running so went ahead and bought the R.O. I'm glad I did. Extremely quite with the Varios pump and it was pulling stuff within a couple of hours. I also accidentally broke / damaged two of the vertex ceramic impeller shafts. The second time I was putting the brand new one in and the magnet was so strong as I was sliding it into the hole the magnet sucked it out of my hand and chipped the end. It was during this fiasco that I knocked the body off the counter onto the tile floor.

 

[CraftDaddy]

https://www.reef2land.com/collections/bubble-magus-protein-skimmers-up-to-250-gallons
I would add Bubble Magus to the mix as well. I bought the NAC5.5 for my 90g from reef2land.com and couldn't be happier with it.

They also carry Reef Octopus and may have lower prices. Plus they have a $10.00 off $150 or more coupon code right now.

 

[PegasisR]

Would the RO 200int be overkill?

 

[Acroporaaddict]

I've owned just about every brand of skimmer out there, from Bubble King all the way to a seaclone. With 100% confidence, I can tell you that Deltec will be the only brand of skimmer I ever buy again. Price and performance are unmatched IMO