125 gal. Skimmer Suggestion (See pg 2)

Folks,
I want to upgrade my skimmer (it's either an ASM G2 or G3, thinking it's a G3 since it has a sedra 5000). Looking for something that is ultra quiet (if that is even possible) and can handle a heavy bio-load on a 125gal. Looking to Spend $300-$400. Update: looking to spend up too $500

Here are my thoughts, please let me know if you think this would be suffice or there are better ones for cheaper.


(deleted unwanted skimmers, new thoughts/ideas are on pg 2
http://www.3reef.com/forums/protein-skimmers/125-gal-skimmer-suggestion-126660-2.html#post1300178 )

 

morning bump!

 

On my 125reef,
I use the best bang for the buck,
a SC150.

There's a thread here somewhere about it.

 

Here's a 3reef thread:

http://www.3reef.com/forums/protein-skimmers/sc-aquariums-sc150-cone-skimmer-review-121186.html

 

Thanks Todd, I will look into it.

 

As a testiment, my SC150 gets good, dark, smelly skim every day.

I had put the plug back in the skimmer basket, so as I could clean the bvasket every day or two, instead of letting it drain to a larger vessel or drain.
Pops right off and is cleaned in minutes.

Definitely the baset bang for the buck. Comes with the Atman 2500, the same pump many expensive skiimers use. It also has a pin wheel impeller, lots of bubbles, etc.

I think I bid $95 dollars shipped to my door, for a brand new item!

 

I went with a Octopus Super Reef XP2000I Internal Protein Skimmer SRO-XP2000I. Skimmer is just behind lights on my level of importance for keeping a low maintenance healthy reef. Its rated for 180g but my 125 also has a 20g sump and a 10g fuge thats about to go live. These skimmer came the highest recommended by the ol' salt dogs on here and 'other' forums as well. I hear they last forever!

 

Glad to hear its that good mine should be here next weak!

 

You don't need the Vertex 280 or 250. Get the 180 if you want a Vertex.

Why is it you want a Vertex or a recirc?

Octo extreme 160, XP2000, SWC 200, 160, Aquamaxx 200.

Ultra quiet and "budget" do not go well together. Not to say things are super loud, but super quiet will cost you. Quiet comes form the better pump... for your size you can use anything with a NEW Sicce 1000, anything with a 600 might be a little small... it would do your tank barely... 1000 fit a little better. that is what I would look for if I were in your shoes. I have not been up on things lately on what uses the new Sicce. Everytime I look at SWC they still list the old ones which you do not want with the new ones out.

Octopus extremes use bubble blaster pumps. Good pumps, not as quiet... still good. Better than cheap pumps out.

Other than that "econo" skimmers are fine and you can find some good performers for not so much. Vertex makes some of the best bang for buck skimmers out. Very good performers.

Save some money and get a skimmer rated for your tank. Lots out for 90g, but with your 125 you need to step up.... you will see a lot go up to 180g. Shoot for that, don't go next size up, and get the best you can in that range.

 

Thanks Powerman. As for why I want Vertex..Is is no specific reason other then doing some reading stating that they are great skimmers for the price and supposedly "quieter" then others. I will definitely heed your advice and save some money for a better skimmer..thanks!!