Vertex Omega 130 Protein Skimmer fit check
Vertex Omega 130 Protein Skimmer is an in-sump internal protein skimmer rated up to 130 gallons. Box ratings assume light stocking, so ReefCrafter scales them by bioload: about 85 gallons lightly stocked, 65 gallons medium, or 50 gallons for a heavily fed fish tank.
Vertex Omega 130 Protein Skimmer: fits roughly 55-130 gallon systems. Specs, compatibility math, sizing risks, and alternatives before you buy.
Who it is for
Good fit for
- ✓ 55-130 gallon systems, per the catalog fit range.
- ✓ Heavily fed tanks up to about 50 gallons, or lightly stocked tanks up to about 85 gallons.
Not a fit for
- ✕ Tanks under about 55 gallons; it is sized above them.
- ✕ Systems over about 130 gallons without adding capacity elsewhere.
- ✕ Heavy-bioload tanks above about 50 gallons; the box rating assumes light stocking.
- ✕ Hang-on-back or AIO setups without a sump chamber deep enough for it.
Listed features
- in-sump
- ~138-200 GPH air draw
- acrylic body
- small footprint
Compatibility math
Bioload headroom
Example: On a 75g mixed reef, ReefCrafter wants about 150g of skimmer rating for medium bioload.
Vertex Omega 130 Protein Skimmer is rated around 130g, so the useful question is whether that clears the fish load with margin.
Risk notes
- A skimmer can be fine for a light reef and thin for the same tank once feeding and fish load increase.
Professional fit context
- Compare rated maximum gallons, physical fit, cup clearance, noise, and bioload margin.
- Vertex Omega 130 Protein Skimmer fits roughly 55-130 gallon systems; confirm that range against the final display volume, sump volume, and livestock plan.
Alternatives to compare
- Nyos Quantum 120 Protein Skimmer
125 gallon rating vs 130: less headroom, for smaller or lighter-stocked tanks.
- Bubble Magus Curve 9+ Protein Skimmer
125 gallon rating vs 130: less headroom, for smaller or lighter-stocked tanks.
- Simplicity 240DC In-Sump Protein Skimmer
120 gallon rating vs 130: less headroom, for smaller or lighter-stocked tanks.
Livestock this affects
- Blue hippo tang
Bioload score 4; size the skimmer for heavy feeding.
- Snowflake moray eel
Bioload score 4; size the skimmer for heavy feeding.
- Achilles tang
Bioload score 3.8; size the skimmer for heavy feeding.
- Dwarf fuzzy lionfish
Bioload score 3.5; size the skimmer for heavy feeding.
Full spec snapshot
- Category
- Skimmers
- Build tier
- Balanced
- Estimated price
- $429
- Tank fit range
- fits roughly 55-130 gallon systems
- Format
- In Sump Internal
- Rated skimmer capacity
- 130 gal
Related reading
Questions
Is the Vertex Omega 130 Protein Skimmer big enough for my tank?
It is rated up to 130 gallons. ReefCrafter wants 1.5x, 2x, or 2.5x the display volume in skimmer rating by bioload, so it fits about 85 gallons lightly stocked, 65 medium, or 50 heavily fed.
What tank size is the Vertex Omega 130 Protein Skimmer for?
ReefCrafter's catalog fit range for it is 55-130 gallon systems. Confirm that against your final display volume, sump volume, and livestock plan rather than the box label alone.
What should I compare the Vertex Omega 130 Protein Skimmer against?
Nyos Quantum 120 Protein Skimmer (125 gallon rating vs 130: less headroom, for smaller or lighter-stocked tanks); Bubble Magus Curve 9+ Protein Skimmer (125 gallon rating vs 130: less headroom, for smaller or lighter-stocked tanks); Simplicity 240DC In-Sump Protein Skimmer (120 gallon rating vs 130: less headroom, for smaller or lighter-stocked tanks).
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