Help! skimmer choice
 

I've been thinking of buying a Bubble Magus Curve 7, with a big factor being my budget. However I see the Omega 180 i Protein Skimmer on sale now at Premium Aquatics for $264 or about CAD340.

No brainer, right?
(For 72" 110 tank)

Both are decent and do the job. I think the Vertex is quieter.

I know a lot of places carry the Bubble Magus Curve models. I’m guessing a lot has to do with them being a lower price option. I don’t personally have one, but I’m considering it for when I build my 210g (curve 9) based on price and gallon rating.

Haha,you guys aren't helping:)
I find I'm being very indecisive with choices for my tank build, just not confident. Seems the Vertex has better user reviews & is being sold at $650 compared to $300 at JL. Is this truly a. Ase of you get what you pay for?
I prefer to buy local but it does seem this Vertex sale price is pretty good

Problem is when you purchase something from a US mail company is if you have a problem with it, doesn't work right or is defective.

I usually try to limit my US mail order purchases to things that are not mechanical or electronic. I find the few dollars I save isn't worth the risk.

Might be some good sales for Black Friday.

Grab the biggest you can afford! I just put an alpha 170 on my 125 and my nitrates and phosphates are lower than when I carbon dosed. I bought it used so I could afford it. Retails for $1200 but I got it for $280. Just my $.02.

This is my main worry as well keeping me from hitting the buy button. Having said that, it does seem like a reputable company

Personally I would go for the Omega. I've used them and they work great. They do take a while to tune, but they pull skimmate like a champ once it's set up.

Can you not get a price match at J&L for ease of warranty if required. I like having something local if something goes sideways. But if you can afford it buy the vertex as that’s a great brand and has been around.

I wish they made a larger skimmer in the omega line as the alpha is insane for price.

The Omega is very tempting. If I were in your shoes, I'd first contact PA and get an insured shipping quote (not USPS).
I'd then approach Jeff with the #s and see what he will do.
For ease of warranty I'd pay extra to deal locally.

Heck, if I wasn't so happy with my skimmer, I'd be doing all this right now!

Shipping is not an issue. It's free shipping & I pick up at 5D Packages at Blaine all the time ( great place btw).
I'd hesitate to ask JL for a 50% discount though...

At $350 Canadian at Blaine. That a great deal. I have ordered from Premium Aquatics before. They are good.

did you look into cost of pump replacements for both skimmers ? Personally I would go vertex as I love the quality , you get a ti hardware instead of plastic , the skimmer body itself is better quality on the vertex as well . Both will work great but for the pricing being close to the same Im taking the vertex every time

Ordered the Vertex. My husband took advantage of the situation & said it could be his Xmas gift so he doesn't have to shop for me. I jumped on it too as it sure beats going to the store to return stuff:razz:

USD265 no tax no shipping =CAD340.
BM 7 with tax from JL would be $335

Sweet! I’m sure you will be happy with the Vertex as they have nice (expensive) but nice products. That being said that is a great deal! Why not take advantage and your husband got you a gift you are happy with :biggrin:

I'm excited but a little nauseous too that I actually made a decision lol. Here's hoping that it will prove to be an awesome investment and the impeller won't snap in half after a month yeesh.

Thanks for the input everyone. Nice to have a sounding board instead of talking to myself. (My family tries to feign interest as they back away slowly)

LOL. The good thing is you should be able to replace almost every piece on that skimmer being it is a vertex :smile: looking forward to seeing how this performs for you!

Vertex are awesome, have no fear!

Like someone mentioned thought hey do take while to hone in. I'd set mine up, get a good skim going and then an hour later it would be totally overflowed. I'd have it rockin for 2 days then ooops, over flowed again. After a couple of weeks of tinkering I found teh sweet spot and it's been a beast ever since. Best skimmer I've owned hands down....:biggrin: