Confused about Skimmers

Welcome to the forum!

There are numerous types of skimmers as you mentioned and the information can become overwhelming.

If you'll be running a simple hang on the back filter design, then you'll want a hang on skimmer. If you're going to be running your system with a sump, then I'd recommend looking into a skimmer that goes "in tank" and keep it in the sump. There are benefits to each design. A sump allows for you to hide equipment and increases water volume. It will also allow a place to do a lot of your maintenance without disturbing the main tank. The hang on filter helps for someone who is more limited on space and doesn't want the hassle of plumbing.

Kudos to you for researching before you set up your tank!

Skimmers come in two main form factors... in-sump and hang-on-back (HOB). 

 

If you do not have a sump setup on your tank, then an HOB skimmer is what you want, since it doesn't require that. 

 

If you do have a sump setup, then you can use an HOB or an in-sump skimmer. 

 

If you have not decided on a filtration system yet, you should decide whether you want a sump or not before going skimmer shopping.

 

Beyond that, skimmers come in different "styles."  There are venturi skimmers, becketts, recirculating, induction, yada yada.  You can spend as much or as little on a skimmer as you want, and in most cases, the amount you spend is directly proportional to what you can expect from it in terms of performance.   I am partial to recirculating skimmers.  I have Deltec and Octopus skimmers, and both work very well though the Deltec skimmers are very expensive.  I used to use Red Sea skimmers but wrote them off as garbage years ago - those were Venturi skimmers. 

 

One can literally write a book on the pros, cons, and specifics of these different skimmers.  The best thing for you to do is go out and find a few models that you think may be affordable and ask for opinions here (discuss make and model, but don't post links).  Be ready for varied responses as every skimmer has lovers and haters. 

 

There are skimmers out there that are combination units, but you are far better off buying separate products.  Usually the all-in-one deals combine a poor quality filter with a poorer quality skimmer, giving you one giant waste of money.

Hello, and welcome to SWF.com. 

 

I found a pretty basic article at About.com on various protein skimmers.  Here is a google link.

 

http://www.google.com/search?q=Protein+Skimmers+for+Dummies+-+A+simple+explanation+of+how+skimmers+work&rls=com.microsoft:en-us&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&startIndex=&startPage=1

 

The kind of skimmer you want to get depends a lot on how you plan to set up your tank.  If you have a sump, then you can get a skimmer that will fit into that sump.  The advantage to that is that equipment is out of sight and not taking up space in your tank.  If all you plan to set up is your tank, then you will need a skimmer that hangs in the tank.  On page 9 of that article, there are links to what that means. 

 

Some common skimmer brands are discussed in the article.  The more $$ the better the skimmer (usually).  Skimmers are a must have for marine aquariums.

FYI I for one have a sump and have neither a hang on back or in sump skimmer. I plumbed by skimmer from the pump inside my sump to the skimmer which sits outside the sump

I have a sump for my 225G and a skimmer that is outside of it....I have an inside the tank skimemr on my 29G and 28G...and a HOB on the 54G

 

for your size tank...IMO...an aqua C remora would be a decent HOB skimmer.  That is what I use on the 54G

I for two don't have an HoB or an in sump. i don't have a skimmer at all :)

I have a skimmer for my 55 and don't use it. (I broke the pump)

I haven't ran a skimmer on a personal tank since 2007.

 

I used to do just water changes to maintain nitrate and phosphate, but for the last six months I've really gravitated towards algae scrubbers. I'll never look back. :D

LOL.....after seeing what a skimmer pulls out...I could not imagine not having one.....NOW if they sold algae scrubbers already made, I might consider one....BUT I AM NOT building anything else

Meowzer - I'de build you an algae scrubber. lol

Do you still have my e-mail?    e-mail me and tell me all the details.....room is always an issue too.....LOL....

 

 

They do make an allready made scrubber. The guy who invented the DIY version makes the premade really really nice ones for sale.

His name is Santa monica.

Or if you want I'm sure any of us that have made our own could make them for members that don't want to try. they are so easy. with a couple measurements i can make one in about an hour from start to finish and most of that is spent roughing up the screen.

Jstdv8 - Yeah, his pre-made units cost $600. lol! If you got the cash, they are really nice. Built out of acrylic with the two T5 units. But, his version only goes up to 100g of filtration, so that's something to keep in mind too.

 

Meowzer - I still do have your e-mail, but the question is, how serious are you? I will build you a scrubber, no problem... I just want to make sure you're not pulling my leg.

now i know why you call me skimmer

 

You got something dark, nasty and smelly to pull out to Joe?

Why would I pull your leg......LOL.....I just want the details....might not be able to do it till after Christmas though...BUT would be nice to know if I can

 

 

Your man just built you a 144 diy light rig.  You telling me that he can't throw together a couple of pieces of pvc pipe, cut a slit in one of them and insert a screen?

LOL.....I am sure he would if I asked him

 

 

is there a simple place with simple directions....I am not reading a 10,000 page thread to find out how

 

 

for you my sweet potato http://www.markstraley.com/aquarium/algae_turf_scrubber.aspx