Protein Skimmer Recomendations

[dandt40]

Im looking to ditch my canister filter in my 55 gallon tank and want to get a protein skimmer instead. Due to my lack of knowledge and experience, for now i just want to stick with a hang on model, instead of setting up a sump. it is a new tank and i would eventaully like to have some soft corals in this tank. nothing more due to size, lighting, and the fact we will be doing another tank with all the bells and whistles in a few months. any recomendations on models or brands for the hang on type? i was looking at the Cyclone BAK-PAK 2R and the Red Sea Prizm Skimmer and they seemed to be a decent price. are those any good? thanks.

 

[viper_930]

I have the Bakpak and it works great. No problems at all and keeps the tank clean. But my tank is only 36 gal, and I have heard people say it isn't much good above 35gal or so,

 

[robchuck]

Also look at the AquaC Remora. The Remora is a little pricier than the skimmers on your list, but alot of folks consider it one of the best hang on skimmers for tanks up to 70 gallons or so.
I run one on my 65 that I would consider moderately stocked with fish and corals. It pulls out some nasty skimmate that almost compares to the Euro Reef I had running on the same tank before the ER's pump broke.

 

[dandt40]

Originally posted by RobChuck
Also look at the AquaC Remora. The Remora is a little pricier than the skimmers on your list, but alot of folks consider it one of the best hang on skimmers for tanks up to 70 gallons or so.
I run one on my 65 that I would consider moderately stocked with fish and corals. It pulls out some nasty skimmate that almost compares to the Euro Reef I had running on the same tank before the ER's pump broke.
that does look a lot nicer. i think thats gonna be the choice. thanks.

 

[daniel411]

Originally posted by DandT40
that does look a lot nicer. i think thats gonna be the choice. thanks.
If you go with that skimmer; I suggest you pick up the pro version with the mag pump upgrade, and pre-skimmer/bubble trap accessory.

 

[barry cuda]

Just a thought...don't let your inexperience scare you away from a sump. I have no experience at all, am completely mechanically inept (wife doesn't let me operate power tools) yet I had no trouble plumbing a sump & return. Take a look at my tank page at:
http://home.satx.rr.com/cvonseggern
for an idea how easy it was to do. PVC rules!

 

[texag04]

Watch out with that bubble trap add-on for the remora. I just recently took mine off. Make sure you constantly top off your water or the box will run dry and it will mess up the pump. It barely ever got rid of my film on my surface like it said it should. But the final straw is when I caught my sixline swimming around in it (beats me how he got in there). It can be a death trap for small fish. Yet the remora is a good choice, and has done a good job cleaning my tank.