Vertex vs SRO vs BK vs SWC skimmers?

[rskillz]

Hey guys, so I'm in the market for a new skimmer and I'm just curious what everyone else thinks.

My obvious choice is the Super Reef Octopus line, because the Bubble Blaster pumps are great and the price point is nice.

I've heard great things about SWC and Atoll pumps, but the owner is apparently in trouble for, ummm, unsavory business practices and this worries me.

The Vertex look really nice and come with the Red dragon pump, and the price point is WAY better than the bubble king.

Bubble king looks amazing but I'm really unsure why the price point is soooo high? Seems to have the same pumps as the Vertex? Is the acrylic work THAT much better?

Any input would be appreciated, especially from those who own any of these. I've mostly dealt with Reef Octopus, and they are great, but I have had to replace lots of pumps. On the bright side, Coralvue is here to stay and can deal with almost any Customer service issue.

Any input guys?

 

[vincenttyler]

I had a Vertex 170 and 250. I love it i though its a best investment, i dont think the acrylict is not much different than bubble king. You cannot go wrong with it...

 

[rskillz]

Hows the warranty on those Dragon pumps? Ever had one fail? Hows the customer service?

 

[hiimsean]

I've heard a lot of complaints on RC about the SRO going crazy every once in a while. I'd go either Vertex or BK. I'm looking at the Vertex Omega for my build.

 

[containerman1]

HiImSean;876101 wrote: I've heard a lot of complaints on RC about the SRO going crazy every once in a while. I'd go either Vertex or BK. I'm looking at the Vertex Omega for my build.

Me to +1

 

[mcphock]

AquaC skimmers are the only ones I ever owned that didn't require constant fiddling. There is much to be said for that, at least for me.

 

[dr_ fish]

containerman1;876105 wrote: Me to +1

I believe that was an issue awhile ago that has since been fixed via a different venturi on the bubble blaster pumps. They as far as I know do not overflow anymore after the fix.

 

[eric b]

SWC (2501A) is a set it and forget it skimmer! It is set up on a friends tank and the only thing I have done to it is remove skimmer cup to clean about once a month and it has a drain for just dumping the skim mate as needed. Don't know anything about the owners troubles as it was purchased used and seems very well constructed.

 

[darth reefer]

I thought you were keeping the SRO3000. Did you include it in the store equipment package instead?

 

[rskillz]

Darth Reefer;876143 wrote: I thought you were keeping the SRO3000. Did you include it in the store equipment package instead?

Yea, its gone. =( What a pain, I have to buy new goodies, haha:up:

 

[darth reefer]

Ha! Yeah, I know your heart is just breaking about getting to buy new equipment.

 

[rskillz]

Darth Reefer;876148 wrote: Ha! Yeah, I know your heart is just breaking about getting to buy new equipment.

Truly heartbreaking! Also need LEDs now. Hmmm.

 

[darth reefer]

So you really sold everything. Bummer, now you have to get a new lighting system too. I feel for ya Getting new equipment is the best! I picked up a mp10 for my tank today. As far as the skimmer I love my SRO but I did have to replace the pump also...

 

[fidofence]

I have owned Sro, bubble king and vertex. The Sro with bubble blaster definitely doesn't compare to the red dragon pump. The acrylic work is much nicer than the Vertex but performance is the same so Vertex is the most bang for the buck

 

[merkywater]

Ryan they are all excellent. I own SRO 5000 and I'm completely pleased with it so far. I have not read the articles on reef central with the issues but IMHO I think they act up bc lack of clean when needed. I do know several others with Vertex and Bubble King both super nice but 2-3x the money. Reef Dynamics is a very good skimmer as well.

 

[sn4k33y3z]

Vertex omega 150

 

[nickg]

tagging along for info...

 

[curtismaximus]

I have the 8" basic reef octopus and it is a beast. By far the the best purchase I have made for my tank.

 

[reeferman]

i love my sro 2000 ext but we've already had this conversation

 

[bruce 1]

I have a SRO5000sss and it is a great skimmer. It took about a week for it to start skimming but when it did man what junk it pulled out. I also have a SRO3000ext. Very good also. CoralVue has very good costumer service. My 5000 sucked in a rock after it was several months old broke the impeller and CoralVue sent me a new pump for free. I will never look for any other skimmer. I have 4 reactors of theirs also and the waste collector. All are very nice.