If you threw an equivalent SuperMarin in there, it would smash both of those skimmers each and every time. Better design is better design, you're right. But the IN is handily keeping pace with the ATB...

Tagging along, because I am thinking maybe an IN-180 for my 150g? Cost is a BIG factor in my decision unfortunately.

well ya the super marin is like the Rolls Royce of skimmers. thou my Deltec isnt to shabby either consider that is that one that i ended up with , However the new cone is fancy thou with the red dragon pump

In the best interests of disclosure for this thread it should be pointed out that it is my understanding that Albert is part of Proline Aquatics which distributes both Vertex and Bubble King on a wholesale level.

Just to be clear I am not taking shots at Albert. He is very knowledgeable and I respect his opinions. Further, Proline has made it possible for Canadians to get a hold of many reef products that we wouldn't otherwise have the chance to including making Royal Exclusiv skimmers affordable (relatively speaking). However, I do believe that such insider information should be made disclosed when people are considering putting down their hard earned money for a product.

My bad, I thought it was common knowledge amongst some of the longer standing residents of the board.

So... Vertex 80 or MSX 160 or even maybe a vertex 100 if I can squeeze it in there :) For me price is a factor. My tank is not heavily stocked however I do tend to feed a bit on the heavy side so I just want to make sure I have a skimmer that can keep up. I did have a MSX 200 and really liked it other than the start ups sometimes not starting up right away and have never used a vertex but have heard the pumps are on the louder side. My objective is to try and keep it to a minimal sound. SOmething close or quieter than the sedra 5000 I had before.
BTW - sorry this stirred up a bit of a heated debate.

AS a relative newb take what I have to say for what it is worth. I spent around 3 months reading and looking at skimmers before I picked up a vertex for my 90 gal system. Initially I did have a few issues with it but they were as much from my inexperience as anything. Now that it has been running a couple months or so I have no problems with it. Are better skimmers out there, for sure, But for the $ these seem to be the best bang for your buck IMO.

BtW pump has quieted down a bunch with break in time and some adjusting( I can no longer hear it from more than a few feet away) and is starts up on its own every time now...

:pound:


Ack. My POC large CV skimmer will skim the crap out of all those skimmers.

Ian which vertex do you have ?

pm'd