I use the ETSS downdraft skimmers and they are very expensive so I would be an idiot if I used them and didnt think they were the most efective! I also use RK2 skimmers for large tanks and aquaculture, they are even more expensive but work very well, they have automated wash down cycles to self clean the skimmer, very handy!!! For small tanks 180gallons and less, I will use the Excaliber venturi injection skimmers if the customer wants a very good easy to use skimmer that is very reasonably priced. Basicaly you get what you pay for! A car is a car but a porsche is just another world, I feel the same way about skimmers, and I find that there are alot of chevetes parked under peoples tanks, at best hopefully it atleast works, I sure wouldnt trust it on a roadtrip(the longrun)
Im a car guy so its kinda like when people buy 4 new tires for $50.00 I sure would want to trust my life to the poor quality tires, there is a reason most tires are over $100.00 each Quality, Performance, and Function. You dont need race slicks to get the groceries but if your going to the race track you better not be running the wallmart specials...