protein skimmers and filtration

[saltyrich]

I have a 55 gal. reef tank in the works. Lighting and everything is good. I'm running a marineland bio-wheel and a skilter 250 that I've had for a while on previous tanks. I understand that the skimming abilty of the skilter is poor. I've read about mods to the skilter. Should I mod it, or use it only as a filter and add another skimmer? What skimmer should I use that is reasonably priced that works well?

 

[jim672]

saltyrich,
I had a skilter and have to agree with what you've heard.....skimming ability is fair at best and the older it gets the worse it gets.
You'll get lots of opinions about which skimmer to use. I bought a Prizm 6 or 8 months ago and it seems to be doing a very good job on my 45 gallon tank. I don't remember the exact price but it was around/under $100.
Jim

 

[saltyrich]

Yes, but can the skilter operate as my filter and I just add a stand alone skimmer like the prizm or other models?

 

[saltyrich]

Please help guys. That's why I come to you for advice. Does anybody have any response to my situation. Does anybody know anything about visi-jet skimmers?

 

[joe's reefer]

i have a visijet and they are reasonably ok

 

[jim672]

I don't know anything about the visa-jet. I used my skilter, initially, as the filter for my 45. It worked okay but over time I developed a phosphate problem which I solved (at least partially) by purchasing a Fluval 304 canister filter. The canister feature allows adding elements to your filtration that you can't with the skilter (in my case it was PhosGuard).
If I had it to do over again/when my Fluval breaks, I'll do it (the right way) totally biologically with a sump.
Jim

 

[salisbury a d]

If you do get another skimmer do not buy the Red Sea Prizm. it is the worst skimmer I have had. It is very loud and never works right. It either puts out a large amount of micro bubbles into the tank or it is inefficient (sp?)
Adam

 

[saltyrich]

Does the visi-jet produce a lot of microbubbles?

 

[volitan]

I've always used an Emperor 400 and 115 lbs of lr for filtration in my 75. My eel has been developing a very messy eating habit, so my trates have been on the rise lately. I ordered a seaclone 100 skimmer that should be in on thursday. I'll let you know what I think of it after it's up and running.