Protein Skimmers

[aznjayx]

I don't have any experience with skimmers. I'm trying to get one.

I need advice on which one I should get?

-Vertex IN-100 In Sump

-MCE 600 external Skimmer

-Aqua C EV-120

I have a 75 gallon tank, currently running on canister filter, but I will be having a sump. I'm stomp with these types of skimmers. I don't know if anyone had experience with these models.

[fkshiu]

How big is your tank and what are you plans for it (SPS reef or FOWLR?) and what is your budget?

All three are at least pretty good. The Deltec is an HOB skimmer meaning if you have a sump, you might as well get an in-sump skimmer. That said, it is probably the best HOB out there but there are in sump skimmers that will out perform it for less money.

The AquaC is an injection skimmer. Some people find that it makes an annoying constant "psshhhhhhh" sound because of how it works. The recommended pump is a Mag5. Mag pumps are infamous for their high energy consumption and tendency to really heat up a tank. A Mag5 will draw around 60W whereas the Resun pump on the Vertex will only draw around 40W. Since skimmers run 24/7 you can see how this could add up over time.

The Vertex is a good basic skimmer. Its Resun pumps had seizing issues early on. The manufacturer has attempted to address this and apparently the run OK now, but only time will tell.

I would also look at Bubble Magus and SWC skimmers are great bangs for your buck.

[aznjayx]

How big is your tank and what are you plans for it (SPS reef or FOWLR?) and what is your budget?

All three are at least pretty good. The Deltec is an HOB skimmer meaning if you have a sump, you might as well get an in-sump skimmer. That said, it is probably the best HOB out there but there are in sump skimmers that will out perform it for less money.

The AquaC is an injection skimmer. Some people find that it makes an annoying constant "psshhhhhhh" sound because of how it works. The recommended pump is a Mag5. Mag pumps are infamous for their high energy consumption and tendency to really heat up a tank. A Mag5 will draw around 60W whereas the Resun pump on the Vertex will only draw around 40W. Since skimmers run 24/7 you can see how this could add up over time.

The Vertex is a good basic skimmer. Its Resun pumps had seizing issues early on. The manufacturer has attempted to address this and apparently the run OK now, but only time will tell.

I would also look at Bubble Magus and SWC skimmers are great bangs for your buck.

I'm trying to get into SPS reef sooner or later, but I'm trying to get the proper equipment before moving into it. I currently have a FOWLR tank filter is fluval 404, i'm attempting to make a sump and go for in-sump skimmer or maybe HOB.

Budget...is budget..lol.

so vertex is a ? i hate keep coming back to the tank all the time.

I checked out the brand you've suggested, seems like the bubble magus is affordable.

but out of the three you think deltec is good?

[fkshiu]

The Deltec is good, but it is limited by the fact that it is HOB. If you have a sump, always opt for an in-sump skimmer because HOB skimmers simply can't use as powerful pumps as in-sumps. Deltec in-sump skimmers are excellent, but are out of your price range.

You didn't mention the size of your tank. Remember, skimmer companies always overrate skimmers.

[tony1928]

If you are building a sump, its a no brainer to do in sump skimmer. Opens up alot of possibilities. Not many HOB type and they are always handicapped by pump size because they need to be compact. I had that Deltec and loved it. It performed flawlessly on my FOWLR. Only thing that bugged me was the size of the collection cup. Small so I had to keep emptying frequently.

[aznjayx]

I'm might go with this. thanks for recommending me this store fkshiu =)

Oceanic Corals - Bubble Magus NAC3plus Protein Skimmer - (Powered by CubeCart)

The price seems reasonable enough.

[Ron99]

Manufacturers overrate their skimmers so the NAC3 would probably be to small. I run an NAC6 on my 75 gallon. SWC and Reef Octopus also make some good skimmers and you can get them through Oceanic Corals too.

[Algae Beater]

The Vertex IN-100s had an issue with their impellers in their first generation. The problem was corrected with new shafts and impellers. The problem is virtually non-existent now. As a plus they also come with two year warranties.

and J&L will any and all of the parts should an issue come up.

[bvlester]

there are a great many skimmers out there I am partial to Aqua Medic skimmers Mine pulls black ink like stuff out of my 115g tank with a 40 gallon sump. Just changed the sump over and it still works great it is a Aqua Medic t1000. I went with this one because I have used them off and on for years as I have been in and out of the hobby for over 21+ years. There quality is very good I have never seen them go odd colors as I have other skimmers. But that could be from how they were cleaned I have no idea as I did not clean then. reason 2 for going with Aqua Medic skimmer I didn't want to break the bank for a skimmer that I would consider equivalent to the Aqua Medic in performance. All the skimmers you mentioned are good and the one suggested are good also. that is my 2cents.

Bill

[flems]

I also have to suggest the NAC6. If you have the cash to spare, the NAC7 is the cone version and slightly more superior to the 6. While shipping from BulkReefSupply is pricey sometimes, they offer the NAC7 for $200USD(or at least during the RC group buy I was in 2 weeks ago)! Not a bad price at all. Budget-wise you could probably find a good deal on a used vertex and be happy with a semi-decent skimmer. $0.02