Best skimmers in the industry: Who gets your vote?

[revhtree]

I wanted to "poll" the membership to see what company you think produces the BEST skimmers in the industry. After I get some comments we'll create a poll and go from there.

So the question remains. Who makes the BEST skimmers?

image via www.MarineDepot.com

 

[DracoKat]

I've only had one skimmer in my life- reef octopus. So I really can't judge

 

[G8trBait16]

I love the Bubble Magus. I had the NAC 5.5, but now I have the Curve 7. The only ones I have had, but I love them.

 

[Robthorn]

Bubble King is the best I have ever owned performance wise. I have owned multiple I-Tech models, multiple Euro Reefs, multiple coralvue, cpr , remora, multiple vertex models, Reef Dynamics, mad dog, I am sure I missed a couple, especially since I don't remember who made my old air stone skimmers.

 

[Waboss]

I think I had/used just about every "popular" skimmer out there, but my favorites are Lifereef and Deltec. And Deltec is gaining ground quickly.

 

[madweazl]

Hmm, best. To me, best is the ability to consistently pull out an acceptable amount of DOC (apparently roughly 30% of TOC), reliably, and for as little money as possible. There are sayings in various circles that you can only ever pick two of the three criteria and in this case, acceptability, reliability, and cost seems to be fitting for me. Based on those criteria, I went with a Bubble Magus Curve 5 (acceptability and cost being the primary factors) initially. It has proven a little finicky to tune so I decided to replace it with a Deltec 1350 (choosing acceptability and reliability). Hopefully I chose wisely...

 

[AdamNC]

I don't know that there will be a large amount of people that have used multiple skimmers. Maybe a few that have used 1-2. I can say I had a reef back in 2001 for about 2 years and used 2 brands, a Seaclone(which imo was pure junk) and a Remora. Fast forward to my second reef tank that is now 2 1/2 years old and I'm still using a Remora but a newer one. I have no complaints about the Remora.

 

[Oldreefer44]

Bubble King and or Vertex. Basically the same thing. Pretty much plug and play with little to no dialing in but expensive.

 

[chema]

I started using a Deltec and then switched to a Bubble King. They are expensive, but so easy to use and silent that I would never buy a different brand.

 

[majorstare]

Im in the UK, choice is smaller than the USA. Tried Deltec extenals which were terrible. Then a Tunze which was ok. Currently on a BM Curve 5 but its sensitive to adjust and just collects in the neck, not the cup.
Unsure what to upgrade it to with same footprint.

 

[Aznxgqboyx]

I like reef octopus

 

[ProjectAnemone]

Started with a Euro Reef >>> Deltec AP702 >>> Vertex Alpha 250 >>> Avast Marine Pegleg 250

The Avast skimmer may not be the most polished unit listed, but it outperforms the Euro Reef and the Deltec and is on par with the Vertex Alpha at a much lower price point. Unless you have a 'show sump', why pay $$$ for something only you will see. Put the extra $$$ elsewhere.

 

[Wilsoni]

Hands down the best... Puts Deltec, Bubble King, Vertex to shame

 

[Wilsoni]

JK JK I love my Nyos Quantum 120

 

[immafishguy]

ASM all the way!! Old fashioned, but tried all other and it's tried and true! Plus it's unaffected my sump level variances!

 

[revhtree]

I understand that everyone has an opinion and that's what this is about! Who do you think is the best?

 

[melypr1985]

I like Reef Octopus based on great -and quiet- performance and reasonable price.

 

[dragon99]

I don't believe there is a single "best" skimmer and definitely not a best brand. Budgets, tank sizes, sump sizes, livestock and many other factors all play into which is the best for a tank. That said, I'd pick Vertex (based on experience) or Lifereef (based on other's experience).

I think BRS covered it pretty well in this video

 

[fragit]

+1 for Reef Octopus love them. I had one of those skilter filters on my first reef tank actually. I would strongly, STRONGLY advise against them. They are right up there with the Eco Aqualizer in terms of efficacy. Meaning they don't work!

 

[Salt Creep01]

Seaclone