Hydor Performer....is it worth it???

I have a 400 gallon system that I am trying to turn reef and am looking at purchasing a bigger protein skimmer. Does anyone know anything about the Hydor Performer skimmers. Are they a good quality skimmer for the money or is there something better out there? (FYI a Hydor skimmer rated ~500-700 gallon costs about $700) Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

What model are you looking at?
- I just looked at there website

I have a 260G reef and have a SWC skimmer. It has 2 sicce pumps and is rated 315 to 650G for 419.00 and I like it.

I think its built well- here is a link to there site
SWC Xtreme 300 Protein Skimmer SWC Xtreme 300 [Xtreme 300] - $479.99 : SWC - Salt Water Connection, Protein Skimmers, Calcium Reactors, Filters & Lights

 

I was looking at either the Hydor 1000 or 2000. I also have looked at ASM skimmers as well but have gotten mixed reviews. Thanks for the link.....I will check out the SWC.

 

never heard of hydor skimmers... so that being said... I wouldnt drop the money on one.

Im no skimmer guru... but ive done my research for when I purchased mine a few months back. And hydor wasnt even a thought.

 

Look for something with a bubble plate. MSX lihe Colorado said would be good. MSX 300 with a Askoll pump would be great. $600. you can look as Octo Super reefs.... 5000, 6000 also reasonably priced. Super reefs have been doing well. Bubble Blaster 5000 pump. Both Askoll and Bubble blaster are going to be in the 100 scfh neigborhood. Or 2800 L/hr That is where you want to be on air draw at least. The two scice pump skimmer Colorado talked about will do 90. Some folks like two Sicce pumps incase of failure you are not totally without. some take their duals and turn them into singles with a Askoll. go figure.

The Hydor is a good quality, but dated design. For $700, you can do better.

 

great thanks for all the info. I am new to all this. Can someone tell me the difference between MSX and SWC skimmers?

 

SWC is a Canadian company. MSX is the American distributor.

 

Id give Vertex Royal Exclusiv a look

 

Right now, the largest Vetex is rated to 280.

 

In your sump, how many inches of water do you have it sitting in?