I have a skilter 250, and had it for 5 yrs. The skimmer part works like crap, and is noisy. I ended up taking the skimmer part out of it and it makes a great mechanical filter and gives some extra flow to the tank. If you have not bought one yet, I would suggest to get a good protien skimmer, and if you want a filter, get an Emporer 400. The Emporers are a great filter, and not very expensive. Skimmers, on the other hand, are something you really don't want to skimp on IMO. I have a prizm skimmer, but would like to upgrade into the Berlin series.