Skimmer advice!!! Please help!

dustintx

Member
I have a HOB skimmer question. I am leaning towards a "red sea prizm deluxe" for my 30 gal. I was just wondering what most 30 gallon FOWLR'S are using? I am just trying to get the best info before spending money. Thx
 

fibinotchi

Member
I don't have a 30 gal. FOWLR, but I enjoy the CPR Bak Pak 2r+ for an inexpensive skimmer. It works very efficiently with minimal adjustments. It could possibly use an upgrade on the pump but that is relatively inexpensive and may not even be necessary unless you have a very high bioload.
 

mrdc

Active Member
I did a quick search on the reviews for the skimmer you are considering and found this:
Positives
Nice price (regular model is under $100)
Slim profile and designed to hank on the back of the tank
You can regulate the amount of water flow
Easy access to the collection cup for cleaning
Efficiently removes proteins from the tank water
Negatives
The first negative that we could think of would be the noise factor. It is not very noisy at all, but it may bother some people.
They should provide the surface skimmer on all of the models and not make you buy the pro version or upgrade kit.
 

dustintx

Member
Originally Posted by mrdc
http:///forum/post/3230314
I did a quick search on the reviews for the skimmer you are considering and found this:
Positives
Nice price (regular model is under $100)
Slim profile and designed to hank on the back of the tank
You can regulate the amount of water flow
Easy access to the collection cup for cleaning
Efficiently removes proteins from the tank water
Negatives
The first negative that we could think of would be the noise factor. It is not very noisy at all, but it may bother some people.
They should provide the surface skimmer on all of the models and not make you buy the pro version or upgrade kit.

Yeah,but even for an extra $25 it still seems worth it. I watched a couple videos of it in use and it works good. I found a deluxe model for $89.
 

pezenfuego

Active Member
I'm sorry, I had a 29 gallon reef. I used an octopus 100bh hob for it. I actually still have it around here, somewhere.
 

socal57che

Active Member
Originally Posted by PEZenfuego
http:///forum/post/3230730
I'm sorry, I had a 29 gallon reef. I used an octopus 100bh hob for it. I actually still have it around here, somewhere.
I've heard good things about that skimmer.
You guys should work out a deal.
 

meowzer

Moderator
Originally Posted by PEZenfuego
http:///forum/post/3230730
I'm sorry, I had a 29 gallon reef. I used an octopus 100bh hob for it. I actually still have it around here, somewhere.

Originally Posted by socal57che
http:///forum/post/3230846
I've heard good things about that skimmer.
You guys should work out a deal.

Originally Posted by Al Mc

http:///forum/post/3230853
I agree, great skimmer. If you can't work out a deal also look at the Remoras.
I just got the BH100ss skimmer a month ago I HATE IT

BLOWS bubbles constantly...I have tried everything, and have been told by "so-called" experts that bubbles are common with this skimmer due to its power, and w/o totally tearing it apart there is no way to fix it.....I should have gone with the Aqua C Remora
 

beaslbob

Well-Known Member
I don't use a skimmer on my tank including the 29g. Just a refugium with macro algaes.
sorry I couldn't help
my .02
 

pezenfuego

Active Member
Originally Posted by beaslbob
http:///forum/post/3230927
I don't use a skimmer on my tank including the 29g. Just a refugium with macro algaes.
sorry I couldn't help
my .02
On such a small tank (especially for new people) I would recommend a skimmer. While I would argue that a refugium is much more effective at lowering nitrates and preventing algae, a skimmer is still a very nice thing to have.
 

socal57che

Active Member
Originally Posted by PEZenfuego
http:///forum/post/3230945
On such a small tank (especially for new people) I would recommend a skimmer. While I would argue that a refugium is much more effective at lowering nitrates and preventing algae, a skimmer is still a very nice thing to have.
I agree. The macros are great, but a skimmer will remove all particulates, not just lower your nitrates. I would spend the money on the skimmer first, then add a fuge as money allows/and if you see a need for it.
 

socal57che

Active Member
Originally Posted by meowzer
http:///forum/post/3230877
I just got the BH100ss skimmer a month ago I HATE IT

BLOWS bubbles constantly...I have tried everything, and have been told by "so-called" experts that bubbles are common with this skimmer due to its power, and w/o totally tearing it apart there is no way to fix it.....I should have gone with the Aqua C Remora
Tha Aqua C Remora has it's threads/reviews about micro bubbles, too. All HOB skimmers can have issues with bubbles. I am happy with my Prizm Pro, but it does occasionally produce bubbles. HOB skimmers dump right back into the tank. There is no time for any excess bubbles to surface and pop. They are being dumped into the tank before they can surface and burst. I have heard that washing the skimmer several times before use shortens the "break in" period. I have also heard of people successfully eliminating microbubbles by switching to a smaller pump to run the Octopus HOB skimmer.
 

meowzer

Moderator
Well my bubbles are popping all over...causing some salt creep on the top glass too.....Surely after almost 6 weeks it is broken in...The pump is pretty big, but I figure by the time I get another one, I might as well try another skimmer....
IDK, I have rotten luck with skimmers it seems
 

socal57che

Active Member
Originally Posted by meowzer
http:///forum/post/3231507
Well my bubbles are popping all over...causing some salt creep on the top glass too.....Surely after almost 6 weeks it is broken in...The pump is pretty big, but I figure by the time I get another one, I might as well try another skimmer....
IDK, I have rotten luck with skimmers it seems
I'm not sure how the pump attaches on the Octo, but could you install a valve between the pump and skimmer to reduce/restrict flow a little?
I have heard of people strategically snapping fins off of the pump's impeller to reduce flow. If you feel comfortable doing that, you could start with 2 fins directly across from each other...or three fins equally spaced to see if it reduces your bubbles.
 

dustintx

Member
Originally Posted by socal57che
http:///forum/post/3231566
I'm not sure how the pump attaches on the Octo, but could you install a valve between the pump and skimmer to reduce/restrict flow a little?
I have heard of people strategically snapping fins off of the pump's impeller to reduce flow. If you feel comfortable doing that, you could start with 2 fins directly across from each other...or three fins equally spaced to see if it reduces your bubbles.
I also have heard about this. Let us know how it goes if you decide to try this.
 
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