Skimmer upgrade question

[Dk638]

I'm currently running a vertex in180 on my 150 gallon mixed reef. I'm thinking I want a stronger skimmer. I'm looking at the skimz 161. Would this be an upgrade or do they both have pretty much the same skimming capacity? I know what the manufactures rate them for but I need a skimmer experts opinion. Thanks

 

[kres1024]

Go for the skimz 163dc for a few dollars more it has a slightly higher air intake and has the dc pump which can be dialed up or down the suit you needs ..
Had one on a 180 stocked tank and worked great

 

[cmantis]

Or for more than a few less try the new d700 and let us know how you like it...

I am waiting to finish my setup to try it out myself.

 

[Dk638]

I looked at that kres but I'm looking at a used 161. But my real question is would the 161 or the d700 be more skimmer than the vertex in180? The vertex is pulling nice crud but I want more. Thanks guys

 

[kres1024]

I know that the 161 would be more skimmer ,don't know about the d700 haven't tested that one yet.., would like to know the air intake on the d700 ?

 

[Dk638]

By the numbers I thought the 161 was too. Just wanted personal experience. Thanks
Yeah I'm not sure I'd drop 255$ for the d700 without knowing the airdraw. I also found a thread on another site saying the d700 has microbubble issues.

 

[duke62]

Sro skimmers I think best bang for the buck

 

[Dk638]

What size would be an upgrade from the vertex? 2000 or 3000? For some reason I'm drawn to the skimz, read a lot of good about them

 

[NYreefNoob]

no it would not be more skimmer, and i am a huge fan of the skimz like and was one of the first people in the us to have and be a beta tester for them, ive owned the vertex 180 3 times, personally i wouldnt switch from what you have.

the sro skimmer suck to me, only one of their cones thats semi balanced is the 3000, it's a poor design to me and not a well balanced skimmer, i do like their larger recirc skimmers but their in sump the outlet is to low and has to be ran in shallower water levels and still flux's alot for me

 

[kres1024]

Nope have the vertex , bubble King and sro simmers ,still think the skimz is more of a skimmer...

 

[NYreefNoob]

kres you already know i love the skimz line, but i dont think it would be much of a improvement over what he is using. now a vertex 200 cone would be a huge upgrade and possible my favorite skimmer ive used out of 30 something skimmers

 

[kres1024]

Not sure about that ,I ran the vertex 180 and the skimz 163 on two separate 150gallon tanks almost equally stocked and I thought the skimz out performed and preferred the ease of fine tuning over the vertex ,but that's just me..
How you been buddy ?last time I saw you was at the swap

 

[Dk638]

I will say the vertex is easily adjusted. So if I went skimz I'm looking at going 201 to be an upgrade? Thanks noob, I heard your the skimmer guru. Lol

 

[NYreefNoob]

dk i beta'd the skimz sm202 recirc, absolutely loved the skimmer but was too much for my system. if you want to upgrade the vertex get the new sicce 1000 pump, will make yours into a monster

kres i am good, growing bored of the hobby since i quit switching equiptment so much and just sitting back watching things grow

 

[Dk638]

Just looked up the vertex 200. I would hope it's an upgrade at that price. Lol

 

[Dk638]

Noob, would that pump be plug and play, or would I have to mod it to fit my skimmer. Would the Venturi I have work or do I have to purchase one with the pump? Thanks

 

[NYreefNoob]

NOT QUITE PLUG AND PLAY BUT EASY TO DO, I HAD STUCK A ATB 840 SKIMMER PUMP ON A VERTEX IN100 WITH SLIGHT MOD, HERE IS A LINK WHERE SOME OF THE GUYS USED A BUBBLE BLASTER PUMP WITH GREAT RESULTS
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?p=18585232#post18585232