Vertex Alpha 250 vs BK Deluxe/SM 250 vs Deltec tc/sc 2560? Which one is best?

I am finally getting around to setting up my new SPS tank. DT is 200g, frag tank 45g, fuge 60g, sump 90g.

Vertex Alpha 250 vs BK Deluxe/SM 250 vs Deltec tc/sc 2560?

I am trying to chose between these skimmers and it is so hard. Which one is the best of the bunch? Also if you feel other skimmers which are not listed are better feel free to mention them.

 

familiar 1985

I have no experience with either of these skimmers so can only bump

Steve

 

Well that is 400g of volume. Plus if your fuge you are talking about is 36x24x24 then that is 120g... of but not full... still The Alpha 250 and BK 250 are not going to cut it.

If you are looking at those then I would suggest including ATB as well. Bubble Kings are all that, but honestly, all that money does not equate to greater performance. I loved my BK, but would not own another one. It's a work of art, but in the end it's just a bubble machine that collects poop.

Look at a ATB 10.5 delux if you really want high end. Simply the best design and balance out now and awesome customer service with top notch build.

BK are still good but you need a bigger one. Alphas are royal Exclusive's cone skimmers. Honestly, they are just playing catch up to ATB. You want a cone get the original.

If you want a bubble machine to collect poop and want to shy awy from Rolls Royce, look at Super Reef Octos XP-5000. Half the price and probably 85% of the performance.

 

Ya, I have been looking at the ATB deluxe. I like it as well. Many don't like the alpha skimmers compared to ATB. Which BK did you have? I'm stuck between the BK SM 250 and the 10.5 deluxe after doing a bit of research. They are pretty much same price. The 250 SM is rated up to 800 gallons. You would pick the ATB over the SM 250? They are both so nice, really hard to pick. Seams like people prefer both. I kind of told a distributor I am ready for the SM250, got a descent price.

 

I honestly don't think there is much difference. I mean ATB is about the best balanced skimmer on the market, but BK made their name on the same thing. So between the two you really need to start nit picking certain features to see what you want the most. Both will be great. I really like cones and ATBs, but for the same money, the 250 has more air draw than the 10.5. To compare apples to apples you would need to do the 12.5. 2000l/hr.

Ratings don't mean much... those big numbers are for light loads and nobody goes by light loads. Go with heavy. A general rule is 500l/hr per 100g. 2000l/hr puts you right in the ball park and both will use that well. There really is no way to go wrong with either. If you got a good price for the 250 go for it.

I had the BK mini 160 on my 90g. I got a WM K2 cone after that. Was considering a ATB on a bigger tank when I decided to get out. Alphas are not crap, but ya... ATB over a alpha any day. Alphas would be sweet if ATBs did not exists.... But they do and I always believe in rewarding the inovators.

 

you must have lotz of extra cash flow when going this route...