Best skimmer out there?

[sphelps]

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

[gobytron]

Honestly, I LOVE my deltec APF701.

Incredible RC Skimmer and whisper quiet to boot.

Great for around 800$

[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.

[Aquattro]

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..

[lastlight]

You need to dream bigger then Brad. For shame you should be able to even think such a thing =)

[sphelps]

The other thing to consider is skimmer height. While some companies like BK maintain a lower profile by using larger diameter tube others will just add more height which can be OK in some cases but for example a 30" skimmer will not fit under most stands. This is important to consider for future builds as well not just the current one, especially if the skimmer is a decent investment.

[lastlight]

Yeah location is key. If you don't need it under a stand chances are you're in a fishroom as well. Then you don't need short OR silent which means savings and you can get a larger skimmer in a mid-range which will likely out-perform a high-end skimmer for the same price.

[Aquattro]

Originally Posted by lastlight

You need to dream bigger then Brad. For shame you should be able to even think such a thing =)

Well, I'm pushing the limits of what my second floor will hold now, so going bigger than 500g is not likely ever gonna happen

[Doug]

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.

[Aquattro]

Originally Posted by Doug

I would go back to a beckett, with a proper pump and puts its waste collection up against anything else.

I'm tempted to hook up my Bullet 2 and see how it compares to the ER...probably would do well, but the pump would be too loud, me thinks...