ER RS180 vs. Oct Extreme 200 vs. Vertex IN180

[Veng68]

Franklin tested the power (with a watt meter) of the Vertex IN-250 at Aquatic Addictions. It states 145 watts on the pump but it actually draws 67 watts. This is because the 145 watts is actually the power used when pushing just water. It's easier on the pump when pushing water/air mixture.

Cheers,
Vic

[christyf5]

Thanks Vic, I thought I had read that here somewhere

[xtreme]

I have been using a Euro-Reef RS180 for just over a year now. Have not encountered any issues with my pump yet, but its not the most quiet pump around thats for sure. I have never used the other two you mentioned so I'm not sure how they would compare. I believe the GenX4100 pump says it uses 45 watts, with my watt meter it is only using 35 watts. HTH.

[albert_dao]

See Jeremy's (Premium Aquatics) comments in the RC Vertex thread. All pump issues with the Vertex skimmers stemmed from the polishing process with the impeller shafts. That issue has since been corrected as all impellers are now factory tested.

[saltaddict]

You could also check out www.saltwaterconnection.com (SWC) they make the extreme skimmers. I have one of their cone skimmers, the build quality is excellent and the customer service is great.

They also have every spare part for their skimmers which may come in handy in the future. They are located in Winnipeg. You can read up on Reef Central about the performance of these skimmers.

I would consider one of these before the Octopus brand IMO.

[Albertan22]

Thanks all for the input! Noise will be a big consideration for me as the tank is located near both the TV and the dining room. My wife doesn't want to hear noisy pumps while we're eating and I don't want a lot of noise while watching movies . I think I'm going to rule out the ER RS180. The Vertex is looking pretty good, and I'm definately going to look into the SWC Xtremes.

Anybody have experience with the SWC Xtreme 160?

[Werbo]

I just fired up my RS 180. I bought this 2-3 yeas ago during a Boxing Day sale for a future set-up that I am close to completing. It came with the GENX4100 and it is loud. So loud that I will probably sell the EuroReef. Very disappointed.
But EuroReef will be happy to sell you a $250 ($US) Eheim upgrade plus shipping. Kinda a bait and switch. Get you with a competitive priced skimmer that needs an upgrade if you want it to be quite.

[whiteice669]

I have been running a vertex 250 for 3 months now and it is dead quiet