protein skimmer on 29gal FOWLR? is it worth it? which one?

enriqueb

enriqueb

Member
I am curious if its worth spending money on a protein skimmer. I have a 29 gal with a wet/dry. I have heard people say yes, and others that its not needed. I hadnt thought much about it until now so please let me know your experience/opinions.
 
uberlink

uberlink

Active Member
Well, you can probably get away without it, but you'll be glad you have it when you see the gunk that it pulls out of the water!
You can get a very good skimmer for that tank for under $200 (I have the AquaC Remora--quiet and effective, around $170). There are several good models for closer to $100. I've heard good things about the Coralife Super Skimmer and the CPR Backpack, for example, and I think they're around this price. Even my old Skilter pulled some ugly crap out of the water, and they're like $40.
 
T

tizzo

Guest
My skilter worked well also. It pulled a lot out. If your bio-load is low, then a well working cheapy will do. If your at your max, then I have a Bak-Pak I'll sell ya.
 
enriqueb

enriqueb

Member
I was hoping to get on that would fit in my sump. anyone have a recommendation for one that doesnt hang on the back...however space is not abundant..but it would let me keep my top and setup as is. thanks for the replies. E
 
uberlink

uberlink

Active Member
I know AquaC makes one like the Remora for in-sump use. The Urchin, I think. But for the sump there are tons of options. Should be able to find one reasonably cheaply.
 
uberlink

uberlink

Active Member
Originally Posted by enriqueb
what do you guys think of the SeaClone Protein Skimmers?
Search the posts. I've not used one, but they seem widely hated.
 
T

tizzo

Guest
Seaclones suck. My brother had one. MySkilter pulled out way more than his seaclone, and he had to fidget every day with the air line.
 
ppm411

ppm411

Member
I've been running a seaclone on my 29g for a while now. I've never had anything else so I have nothing to compare it to but it seems to work pretty well. Never a shortage of green gunk in the collection cup. However, when I first got it I couldn't get the bottom fitting on the column to seal. After researching these boards extensively and finding that it was a very common problem with Seaclones, I used half a tube of silicone to seal it up. Even though it works well now, I wouldn't suggest it. Pretty poor design if you ask me. If I didn't get it as a hand-me-down I would have definitely returned it for something else.
 
27mtaylor

27mtaylor

Member
I have a skilter, which a lot of people don't like, but when I fitted it with an airstone, it really started pulling out a lot of green gunk out ot the water. It is a hang on, but it serves as a filter too.
 
enriqueb

enriqueb

Member
does anyone have any recommendations for an in sump skimmer that is good and not extremely expensive? thanks for all the replies guys.
 
wilsonreef

wilsonreef

Member
I have a Prizim skimmer and a SeaClone. I had to buy a SeaClone last week because my Prizim's motor locked up, and no one had replacement parts for it. The Sea Clone does ok but the micro bubbles are a bit hard to control. Once the water level goes up or down you sometimes have to adjust the air intake to compensate. The prizim was in warranty I called the manufacturer and faxed over the sales slip, and they sent me a new motor assembly the next day. 'The Prizim doesn't seem to be as finicky.....and does a really good job. Some people like them some don't but for around a hundred dollars it works great..
 
enriqueb

enriqueb

Member
the jebo looks like the rest but is pretty inexpensive. any reasons why i shouldntget one? has anyone had a bad experience with a jebo?
 
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