Help me decide SRO2000 or RLSS R6-i6

[shootingstar]

Either skimmer is a suitable choice for my system just can't decide between the two. Not enough of a price difference to even have that be a factor.

Currently running a SWC cone 160 with the atman pump and just can't take it any more. The thing has been nothing but trouble from the beginning. Have replaced & or repaired the pump so many times now that I've lost track and it never restarts....as in never... have to play with it constantly.
Have been posting threads here and there trying to find a different pump that will fit but there just does not seem to be a different pump I can swap out so it's time to replace it for my stress reduction.

When I started looking around I was dead set on a skimmer that did not have the pump inside the base simply because of all the hassle I've had with the SWC. That was when I settled on the SRO2000. It comes with the bubbleblaster and the pump is outside the base. It is a bit tall though. would still fit just won't have as much wiggle room, especially since it has hissy-fits if you run it deeper than about 6". Would feel compelled to order the add on modification tube to keep it from overflowing.

The DC pump on the RLSS is intriguing. Have no strong feeling one way or the other on the controller aspect. If I had it I would probably use it but it's not the deciding factor. The soft start does appeal and DC's are way less likely to have any restart issues.

I need a skimmer with a reliable pump that's all I really want. Everything else will feel like gravy.

Any thoughts out there on these two skimmers?

Cathy

[shootingstar]

Bump....

[RDNanoGuy]

Skimmer choice is a very personal thing. I also looked at both of these units except I needed the next larger models. i ended up selecting the SRO-3000EXT. Here's the reasons why:

Proven pump design (lots of good reviews on this pump)
Variable speed control is a gimmick and adds more parts to fail ( power supply and control)
The taller the reaction chamber is more efficient
If you want dryer foam you can simply add some SRO neck extensions
Added the OEM neck cleaner which reduces maintenance and improves efficiency
I can feed the output of my bio reactor directly into the skimmer

Hope that helps

[RDNanoGuy]

If you want to learn lots about skimmer design read this

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2010/1/aafeature

Interestingly if you read the results properly the the most efficient skimmer is the oldest and cheapest design (air stone counter-current)

[shootingstar]

Thanks for the link, a very interesting read.
Thanks also for your thoughts on the two skimmers being considered.
Cathy