Question about protein skimmers

[grouper therapy]

I think judging a skimmer's (anything really) performance and longevity based on it's price is not sound reasoning. I've seen inexpensive skimmers perform well and I've seen expensive ones not perform well and vice versa. Look to those who have experience with either and base your decision on their experience and your own research. Not price! From a longevity standpoint I would really pay attention to the pump and impeller track record. I'm not sure how well made the actual body has to be. With normal use and without abuse most skimmer bodies will far out last the system they are running on.