Best skimmer out there?

lastlight · #1 10-22-2010, 04:01 PM

So long as the skimmer is sized accordingly I really believe most skimmer brands will get it done with some being slightly better than others.

If you want silence or a better pump you pay FAR more. The better pumps also come on the skimmers with cell-cast acrylic and machined parts rather than cheaper extruded. They also come with other subtle features that may boost performance a little but I don't believe your value increases proportionally to the cost. If your fancy pump fails (as mine did before you even have the skimmer running) then it can be a real hassle getting it repaired or replaced too.

I can appreciate why someone would want a BK afterall I saved like a dog to get one. Now that I've bought into the mid-range market with everything on my current tank I find that's what's best for me and I'll do the same next time. I prefer having more money for livestock and chemicals etc.

Just my 0.02

Slick Fork · #2 10-22-2010, 05:00 PM

As lastlight mentioned, depends on your budget. I'd recommend a nice midrange vertex or Bubble Magus. Consider what a "High-End" skimmer costs and decide if the extra $500-$2000 could be better spent elsewhere. My vertex (Gen1) pump is not the quietest or most energy efficient but the money I didn't spend on a super fancy gold plated skimmer pump is money I have to spend elsewhere on my system (IE a really nice controller or better lights, etc.).

lastlight · #3 10-22-2010, 05:03 PM

Well yeah if I didn't have to save and scrimp for a build and I was well off nothing I said would apply. I'm sure I'd go high-end once more.

sphelps · #4 10-22-2010, 05:06 PM

Where do you get a gold plated skimmer pump from? I want one!

gobytron · #5 10-22-2010, 05:15 PM

Honestly, I LOVE my deltec APF701.

Incredible RC Skimmer and whisper quiet to boot.

Great for around 800$

randallino · #6 10-22-2010, 05:32 PM

You get what you pay for. I love my BK easy to clean, empty, take apart etc, and does a great job. If you what to spend less than you're most likely going to get something made in China. Oh by the way the pump isn't gold plated.

Aquattro · #7 10-22-2010, 05:47 PM

I've got a Euroreef CS8-3+ and couldn't be happier. Got it used for $300 and it will handle any tank I might ever upgrade to..

Doug · #8 10-22-2010, 10:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by randallino

You get what you pay for. I love my BK easy to clean, empty, take apart etc, and does a great job. If you what to spend less than you're most likely going to get something made in China. Oh by the way the pump isn't gold plated.

Just for the sake of argument, let me disagree with that.

I seen and cleaned both of Mike,s BK skimmers and although superb pieces of equipment, I would have taken the Deltec he had before those. The price was less also and not made in China. Then again, whats the matter with that?? The SWC 160 I just used, had to be the best skimmer i have used for smaller tanks.

I,m sure their larger version is just as good.

Also, again just my opinion. Before I would spend a $1000 plus on a skimmer I would go back to a beckett, with a proper pump and puts its waste collection up against anything else.