Skimmer for 10 gallon

[keisersosei]

I just started a nano reef and am looking for an HOB skimmer. I was thinking about getting the CPR Bak Pak 2R. I've read nothing but good reviews about it, mostly on this board. But I'm afraid it will be too large for a ten gallon tank, both aesthetically and flow-wise. I already have two AquaClear 201 powerheads and a Penguin 125 HOB filter providing current. That's 375 gph flow rate without the skimmer. Does the Bak Pak come with a pump; if so, what is the gph rating; and would this be too much current for my 10 gallon tank? Thanks for your help.

 

[saltyrich]

It would rock, but it might be a bit much. It flows 250 per hour. It does come with a pump. I might recommend one of the new, improved seaclones for a 10 gallon. Try the 100 model. The 150 may be a little much too. They have been greatly improved over the previous models in the past.

 

[broomer5]

keisersosei
I hung a Bak-Pak II on the back of my 10 gallon tank for awhile.
I thought it was silly - so I removed it.
On a small tank like a 10 - you can do a lot of water changes for the cost of a protein skimmer.
Mix up a gallon or two, do the water change - and you're good to go.
Water quality doesn't get too much better than 24-48 hour newly mixed saltwater .... if it's mixed right with good RO or RO/DI - ya know.
But if you're really wanting a skimmer for the nano - many do use the CPR Bak-Pak's.

 

[keisersosei]

I like the price of the SeaClone. I can't tell from the pictures I've seen though: how does the water return to the tank? Is there any kind of drop from the skimmer to the tank? I ask because I don't have a glass top between the water and lights and I'm very careful about splash.

 

[keisersosei]

Broomer,
How often do you change water on your 10?

 

[saltyrich]

I do know that the Bak Pak's return is under the water surface and produces no splash. I can't speak for the seaclone. I do know that for about 30 bucks more, you'll get a better skimmer in the Bak pak. If brommer says it will work on a 10, I'd do it.

 

[broomer5]

Here's the part I forgot to mention.
A standard 10 gallon tank is not tall enough for the Bak-Pak to hang on.
I the 10 on a small sturdy table, but had to move it to the rear of the table - in order for the skimmer to hang.
The bottom of the skimmer was below the table surface then.
It worked fine - but I decided to dismantle the 10 and move on.
I had 4 tanks going at once - and it was too much work ( for me ).
This was as far as I got - and was after I removed the skimmer.

 

[mlm]

The seaclone returns the water via a waterfall type thing to the top of the water. It is very gentle and does not splash or create bubbles.

 

[keisersosei]

So, Broomer, you're saying that the Bak Pak would hang down past the tank? I have it sitting on a stand that sticks out about half an inch on the back. That is, the stand extends .5" farther than the tank. This shouldn't be a problem, should it? Also, how far does it stick up past the top of the tank?
Thanks, everybody, for your quick responses.

 

[saltyrich]

I'm guessing mine extend above the top of the tank about 4-5 inches. Being a hang-on it does not interfer with my canopy though. Check the CPR website for dimensions. If it clears, I'd go with it.

 

[saltyrich]

The bak pak measures exactly 7.5 x 3 x 17.5. Isn't a 10 gallon 12" tall. It may just work. At 17.5" tall with 4-5 inches above the top rim of the tank, it might clear. Not sure.

 

[broomer5]

keisersosei
yes - when I had it on my 10 gallon tank - the skimmer had to hang down the side of the tank, and extended down past the table surface - in your case - the stand surface.
It has 2 leveling screws on it that normally press against the back outside glass - to get the skimmer vertical - not leaning in towards the tank - or back towards the wall.
It worked on my 10 - but I had to locate the tank near the edge of the table - so the skimmer would hang down past the table top.
Here's the only pick I have - that shows how high a CPR Bak-Pak extends above the tank. This is not on a 10 gallon btw.

 

[keisersosei]

Thanks, everyone. I'm going to try it and see.