Skimmer Recomendations?

I am still knowledge wise a meer child in saltwater tanks so...I have a 65 gallon tank that i am slowly starting up, and am looking to add a refugium and would like to place a skimmer in the refugium. I was wondering if there were any suggestions and warnings of skimmers to get or stay away from. I will probably like most get to the point of Heavy bioload for the tank and plan on it being a reef tank...
I did read the sticky up top and saw the recomendation of max 150% times tank size and as this is only my second tank and first reef i would like to err on the high side. Also being this is a hobby of no absolutes was looking towards those with more expierience. This will be my first skimmer..
Thanks for the help and time out of your day

 

how much are you looking at spending?

 

I guess it all comes down to reliability and performance. I dont want to pay 100 more for a skimmer that is fractionally better than a comparable one is what I guess it comes down to... It is just overwhelming when you look at the market and here are some for about $100 and then there are others that are $600, is that one really worth the 600, i guess i can get myself to squeeze out $300 to do it right

 

In my opinion this is the best skimmer for the money. Easy to set up, dial in and maintain. With your tank being 65 gallons you could go a step down and come in well below your budget.

Octopus Extreme 160 Protein Skimmer - English

 

I own this one Vertex IN 100 In-Sump it is a quiet work horse not to big for my 90g around $220.

Vertex IN 100 In-Sump Protein Skimmer - AquaCave.com



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Swc xtreme cone 120 for 225 plus 10 percent of at big Al's

 

Big Al's is over priced on these units, and I have been trying to contact SWC for warranty work and the have been unreachable. I think his recent legal troubles are getting in the way. I love the skimmer but I might recommend staying clear, as I have been trying to contact him for a month with no luck. Second time I've had a problem in 8 months too.

 

Also don't fall for the Canadian made, it comes plastered in stickers that say made in china.

I have heard good things about the vertex line and think if I was to do it again I would go that way.

 

I have a Reef Octopus Xtreme Skimmer, i had a SWC COne, and i hated it, my Reef Octo is way stronger and pulls out a ton of skimmate compaired to the cone. I would pony up a few extra dollars for a much better skimmer, or you will end up upgrading later and spending more money anyways.

 

i love my sc skimmer. great quality for a price of 125 brand new. heres a link 150 Gallon Fresh Saltwater Fish tank Protein Skimmer | eBay