The $225 for a pump, would be for a Mak 4. Agreed, a Mag 18 is cheaper.
It would be hard to beat Jaysons quality & prices, on any US ordered or made quality skimmers.
Perhaps, as mentioned, the used market may be the way to go. I have purchased some fine products, from US aquarists.
I am also thinking of building a large counter current. Airpumps are a major concern. I could not drive either model I had before, with a TetraTec. Just not enough power for 3 or 4 airstones in a large model. I was going to use a piston pump.
Here are some excellent plans.
http://www.hawkfish.org/snailman.htm
[ 17 September 2002, 09:16: Message edited by: Doug ]