Advice on HOB skimmers or sump/refugium

[r's 75tank]

Actually I would like to hear advice about anything so far.
I've been looking around at skimmers and the choices are making me dizzy. I was thinking about a sump/refugium, but money becomes an issue. What would be the main advantage to a sump/refugium as oppossed to just a HOB skimmer? I understand that a sump would be better for the water quality, but how much better and is it worth the extra money. If I go with just the HOB what brand would be the best for under $150?
Specs. so far:
75g FOWLR (would like to add corals in a few months)
80lbs LR
60lbs LS
penguin 400 filter
2-maxijet 600's (underpowered I think)
1 full spectrum, 1 actinic bulb (looking into buying power compact)
1 Foxface
2 Pajama Cardinals
1 Blue/green Chromis
1 Cleaner Shrimp
10 Hermit crabs
10 Snails-small
Plan on getting:
2 Percula Clowns
1 Blue Hippo Tang
If room:
1 Firefish
1 Flame Angel
1 Emerald Crab
1 Starfish
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[andretti]

There are a few good H.O.B.s out there, i.e. the Aqua C Remora, and the Bak Pak. But both of them are almost as much as an in sump unit. I agree W/you in regards to the choices out there; it's mind-numbing.

It's good that you're asking around, but remember this: If you ask 10 different poeple...you'll get 10 different answers. If you're not planning a reef, then maybe you could look into the Prism H.O.B skimmer. Some people love 'em, some hate 'em. I personally have one of my 60 gallon reef :happyfish and it works great! They're rated for up to 100 gallons and are about $100. I would not use it on a 100 gallon reef, but a 75 or less is just fine.

 

[r's 75tank]

I've looked at the Prism model, and your right some love and some hate it. It looks so different and cheap compared to most other models. Maybe I can buy a HOB and if I ever get a sump I can still put it in there.
What about the specs. and the livestock list, does it look about right for a 75g?
Any help?

 

[dfrick23]

I have a skilter model It works well once you get the air feed set right. Also has carbon filtration. It is kinda loud though.