Confused about Skimmers

P

pinkleather

Guest
Hi, I know this has probably been asked a million times, but I can't find exactly what I am looking for.
I am just about to set up my first saltwater tank. I have kept freshwater tanks on and off over the years, but this is my first attempt at a saltwater tank. I have a 45 gallon tank, currently empty as I research and accumulate everything!
I am beyond confused about what I need in the way of a protein skimmer. Some seem to go in the tank/some hang outside? Someone suggested to me that I can get a dual filter/skimmer, but I can't find anything about that anywhere...
I know there is probably a beginner's skimmer article somewhere. Can someone point me in the right direction please? Or even better just tell me what I need! I want to get something decent, but obviously don't want to spend more than I need to.
Thanks so much for your help.
 
btldreef

btldreef

Moderator
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!
 
scsinet

scsinet

Active Member
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.
 
beth

beth

Administrator
Staff member
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.
 
florida joe

florida joe

Well-Known Member
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
 
meowzer

meowzer

Moderator
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
 
J

jstdv8

Guest
I for two don't have an HoB or an in sump. i don't have a skimmer at all :)
 
snakeblitz33

snakeblitz33

Well-Known Member
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
 
meowzer

meowzer

Moderator
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
 
J

jstdv8

Guest
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.
 
snakeblitz33

snakeblitz33

Well-Known Member
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.
 
florida joe

florida joe

Well-Known Member
now i know why you call me skimmer
Quote:
after seeing what a skimmer pulls out...I could not imagine not having one
 
meowzer

meowzer

Moderator
Quote:
Originally Posted by SnakeBlitz33 http:///t/388866/confused-about-skimmers#post_3432946
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.
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
 
2quills

2quills

Well-Known Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by meowzer http:///t/388866/confused-about-skimmers#post_3433004
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?
 
meowzer

meowzer

Moderator
Quote:
Originally Posted by 2Quills http:///t/388866/confused-about-skimmers#post_3433007
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
 
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