I tried the Oase Crystal Skim 600 which was close to $60, it was horrible. Difficult to clean, difficult to adjust to water level and keep skimmer function working well and very strong noisy vibration I’m sure the fish didn’t appreciate. It only worked when put at the exact level to skim water but anytime the water level dropped or was refilled it stopped skimming well and was at risk of burnout if my water level dropped just a bit, the floating piece seemed to completely reduce skimming abilities and this is required to adjust to changing water levels.
The sun sun version similar to this one only had one directional output that I didn’t prefer blowing down on top of my plants and was only fair at skimming and only if water flow was directly aimed into its collector, other wise most of my surface flow just bypassed it all together.
I also tried two HOB filters with skimmers, both failing for various reason but mostly due to inability to skim and filter well simultaneously, they would do one well initially then when it got a bit of debri built up the other would work better or would make odd suction noise I hated. Such a pain accessing as well.
I LOVE this filter because it works so well, so easy to clean!, and directional output. Only issue was shrimp kept getting in it as they will with any skimmer. But I found a fix! First I put a net over the top teeth, didn’t stop them, then I put filter sponge in the inlet tube, didn’t stop them. I finally figure out the fix. SEE MY PICS! You need a little bit of coarse sponge in the inlet tube to prevent shrimp entry and a strip in the screw canal as they get I that way when all other ways are blocked. If you take off the screw, which you have to for this to work, you have to mount it differently. I was easily able to go this with a zip tie and two small suction cups I had that had little loops for holding the plastic hooks they came with. It worked great. And no need to worry about the screw rusting now. Just thought I’d share for anyone having the same issues :)
Best skimmer I’ve found, just takes tweaking if you have SHRIMP.
** update: coarse sponge in filter tube not so great, can affect flow too much. I found wrapping a bit of mesh net 2 layers around the top and securing with a rubber band is absolutely 100% shrimp proof. You can use hair net material or very small holes mesh net. See my last pic.
This skimmer is doing an amazing job on my 175 gallon tank, I just placed it somewhat within the water flow direction so it gets good access. I change the pads every 4 days or so to prevent the skimmer from trying to pull water through thick mucked up filter pads. If your pad is too thick it affects how well filter works so adjust as needed.
I bought a second just in case my first ever dies, I’m afraid I won’t find another as good after I tried so many already. So just want one more on hand in case this one stops being made. That’s how great it is, lol!!