protein skimmer question

[funkincredible]

I'm setting up my first tank. It's a 50g tank, and I'm planning on running a 250 gph power filter with a foam filter, a carbon filter, and biowheel, I'm curious as to the advantages and disadvantages between buying a $40 or $100 skimmer. Do I need the higher level filter? Any advice would really help me out. Any other random advice would be nice also, Thanks
Dustin

 

[mr . salty]

The thing with this hobby is that you get what you pay for. A 40dollar skimmer will obviously not perform as well as a 100dollar one. I used to have a cheap one,now I have a very good one,and there is no comparison. A skimmer or filter are the two things you really don't want to skimp on.These are probably the most inportant pieces of equiptment that your tank has...

 

[twoods71]

Go for the more expensive one, you'll be glad you did. If you buy the $40 one you will probably buy the $100 one later and it will end up costing you $140.