cheap skimmers?

[mr_bubbles]

I have been shop[ping around for a new skimmer and have noticed that there are a few cheap skimmers for sale for about $30.
Has anyone had one of these skimmers?
What do yo uthink about them?
What is a good cheap skimmer?
thanks

 

[katara]

bought my prizm off ---- for $65 (new)and I couldn't be happier.I never thought I would need one, but now know that my tank could not have survived much longer without one.Alot of people have negative opinions on prizm's but I have to say I have not had 1 problem.Good luck.

 

[entice59]

only problem i have with prizm is the obsessive noise it makes and the constant bubbles it produces
got a seaclone 100 for only 80 bucks for the new tank, dont know if its any good but my friend is pretty happy with his seaclone

 

[d233]

I have a sea clone 150 and so far I am happy with it. I made the modifications that Clinton Yin posted on the net they seem to help out alot. I don't know alot about skimmers but the waste cup on mine becomes about half full in two days I don't know if this is good or not? Anyway I paied 154 for mine at the LFS.

 

[spider crab]

What are the modifications you are refering to for the seaclone. Are they posted somewhere?

 

[entice59]

yes, can you tell us? or give us the link?
its good because its collecting waste, but if just clear, then you have to adjust your gauge because you just collecting water

 

[fishkid1000]

Ihave a seaclone 100 too. The modifacations I want to do for on thing shut of the air intake to the pump. It slows the water down sooooo much. I plan to replace the air intake on the pump with a wood air diffuser in the center chamber. Either that or get a way bigger pump.

 

[nerdy]

I have a US Aquariums protien skimmer model 200. The water pumped into the skimmer is then filter through bio balls inside a separate chamber in the skimmer. I can't say enough good things about this skimmer. It cost a lot of money ($300) but I have had it for 3 years without a problem and I haven't had any casualties in almost that amount of time.

 

[salth2o]

spend the money - get a good one! The cheap ones work for abou a year then the bad algea problems catch up with your tank. Trust me..I thought mine was working fine to.

 

[entice59]

yup it comes with a maxijet and yes i agree with lilbuddy they should be cleaned regularly atleast once a month and especially the seaclone sponge thing attached to powerhead

 

[andygar]

If you are good with DY you can build one that can run as good as a$200 skimmer and it'll cost you less than $20 plus the pump. Check this out: www.krob.com/aquarium/skimmer.htm. I built one and it's producing more foam than a mad dog.