protein skimmer advice

[rphman]

tank 36 gal bowfront
usung a marineland emperor 400
t5 lights
just starting this hobby...oh what a trip...
wanting to add a protein skimmer...
should i replace my emperor and get a protein skimmer wilth filter or just add a protein skimmer?
looking at:
octopus BH 100SS
octopus BH-100F
**on my bowfront tank there is a plastic piece that runs from the back pane to the front middle section of bow glass i think for support of the bowfront...it is about 2"wide..i had to modify my emperor just to set it on back of tank..by cutting a little plastic away on emperor..
i am concerned that the 100F will not fit due to this plastic piece...while the 100SS will set right by my emperor just fine..
eventually going to get a bigger tank and probably do a sump...as for now going to make do with this tank...as i have already spent some $$$$ as you all know..
any advice would be appreciated
thanks
Wade

 

[nycbob]

take the protein skimmer over a filter. the aqua c remora is a good hob skimmer and will fit it 36 bowfront without issue.

 

[rphman]

so not use my marineland and get the 100h that has filter chamber....is that what u are saying?

 

[nycbob]

u wont need the filter chamber if u hv enough rocks and flow inside ur tank.

 

[rphman]

so how much live rock you think i need? my tank is only a little over 3 months old...
what about a powerhead...likethis one..Koralia 1 Power Head ?? what size do i need...
i have a 36 gallon bowfront...
thanks
wade

 

[aquaguy24]

in a 36g tank..i would have at least 40lbs of live rock..and a karalia 1 might be to weak for ur tank unless u have two of them...i'd go with a pair of karalia #2's..i have a karalia #2 and a 260gph return pump in my 24g and im happy with the flow..

 

[gio28]

i have a 36 bow too and was wondering the same thing for the same skimmer as well. that black piece has caused me trouble too. how did you get your emperor 400 to fit exactly? where did you cut it? i've been wanting to get one as well as the skimmer

 

[gio28]

i've found out that the 100f will fit..that middle black clamp on it isnt really necessary and it still has room with it.