So I'm trying to decide on a quiet HOB skimmer. I've heard good things about both of these, but I can't tell if the Aquamaxx warrants the extra $70 in this application (since either is more than enough for this size tank). Any insights?

I'm avoiding HOB's with pumps that hang in the tank due to the close quarters in the back of this system. I don't want a Tunze either, thank you.

I have the aquamax skimmer and like it a LOT. And one thing to think about.... If the cup overflows in the eshops skimmer it will go all over the ground. The aqua max has a return at the very top of the cup to prevent this. And last week I was able to place my heater in the skimmer. So I know have one less thing in the tank.

I have the eshopps 75 hob on my tank. It sits rihgt next to our bed and is the most silent skimmer I have ever owned. I have a drain out out port about 1/4 of the way from the bottom of the collection cup that overflows into a large thermos behind my tank. It's a powerfull little skimmer that will definatley handle your 28. I run mine on a 30g and keep excellent water quality. Pump replacement is cheap as well, something to consider for the future.

Thanks for the opinions. My favorite features on both of those was the drain in case it overflows- that's a nightmare scenario for me. Nice to hear the eshopps is silent, I know the first models had some issues with that but I heard it's been fixed. I'll keep listening if anyone's got any more input.

eshopps 100

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Adam87, I'm pretty sure your thread was one of the ones I was looking at when I was narrowing it down to these 2. I'll take that to mean you're still having good luck.

I'd get the aquamaxx. JNS has been making skimmers much longer and this is the third iteration of that HOB1