The other thing to consider is skimmer height. While some companies like BK maintain a lower profile by using larger diameter tube others will just add more height which can be OK in some cases but for example a 30" skimmer will not fit under most stands. This is important to consider for future builds as well not just the current one, especially if the skimmer is a decent investment.

Yeah location is key. If you don't need it under a stand chances are you're in a fishroom as well. Then you don't need short OR silent which means savings and you can get a larger skimmer in a mid-range which will likely out-perform a high-end skimmer for the same price.

Ya, my one drawback is that I need to build my new stand taller than I would like. Skimmer needs at least 32" for clearance, which puts me near 3feet of stand. Just a bit higher than I'd prefer...

Well, I'm pushing the limits of what my second floor will hold now, so going bigger than 500g is not likely ever gonna happen :)

I do love my Hydor 1000, it is a great recirc skimmer, and high quality. With one input pump and 2 recirc pumps, it does a great job in a very small footprint.

I personally like Bubble Magus, super economical and gets the job done...

Just for the sake of argument, let me disagree with that. :D

I seen and cleaned both of Mike,s BK skimmers and although superb pieces of equipment, I would have taken the Deltec he had before those. The price was less also and not made in China. Then again, whats the matter with that?? The SWC 160 I just used, had to be the best skimmer i have used for smaller tanks.

I,m sure their larger version is just as good.

Also, again just my opinion. Before I would spend a $1000 plus on a skimmer I would go back to a beckett, with a proper pump and puts its waste collection up against anything else.

I'm tempted to hook up my Bullet 2 and see how it compares to the ER...probably would do well, but the pump would be too loud, me thinks...

I understand your point your trying to make, but there is a lot of garbage out there that is cheap. I also agree you don't have to drop a grand on a skimmer, but I know I will have my BK longer than most other brands because of quality construction.

"Also, again just my opinion. Before I would spend a $1000 plus on a skimmer I would go back to a beckett, with a proper pump and puts its waste collection up against anything else."

Get ear plugs....

yup started with a Beckett might as well end with one funny how we do things. start in diapers and end in diapers ....