What are some good skimmer brands?

coyle

Member
I have a 20 gallon high and don't want to spend a lot, just want one that's quiet and works. Thanks
 

pezenfuego

Active Member
Octopus, Euroreef, and Berlin are some of my favorites.
However Euroreef is too expensive and I'm not sure if Berlin has anything small enough for you.
The general rule of thumb (and I usually HATE rules of thumb) is to get a skimmer rated at least twice your tank size. It is no secret that skimmers are rated higher than their capability. So for you, look at a skimmer rated for at least 40 gallons.
Some things to stay away from are skimmers with airstones. If it seems to good to be true...it probably is.
For you I would recommend a hang on the back since you don't have a sump.
I'm thinking some sort of bak-pak skimmer or other hang-on-the-back.
You aren't going to be happy about the price of any skimmer, but believe me...spend more money now so you don't have to go through the trouble of buying a more expensive skimmer later.
Oh and skilter...haha what a joke.
 

aquaguy24

Active Member
Aqua c remora. Or just get an aqua clear filter and turn it into a fuge. I just upgraded my 24g aquapod to a 35g tall. Not running a skimmer just a HOB fuge with cheato.
 

coyle

Member
Originally Posted by aquaguy24
http:///forum/post/3109268
Aqua c remora. Or just get an aqua clear filter and turn it into a fuge. I just upgraded my 24g aquapod to a 35g tall. Not running a skimmer just a HOB fuge with cheato.

I am interested in doing that but how would I keep the cheato from getting in my display tank? Should I remove the filter pad etc? I can see how to set up a light over it, no rocket science there, and removing the excess is easy too.
Regarding skimmers, I was reading up on reviews etc yesterday and yes it looks like cheap doesn't pay off because they break. The two that seemed ok for the money was the red sea prizm and sea clone 100s but I don't know, I hear the sea clone breaks down pretty quickly but those are two I know about.
I have a second tank below the display that I can use as a sump but am worried about flooding having the water uptake like that, it's an idea though.
Actually I have a little aqua clear filter for a 10-20 gal (theres not a wide opening on the back of my hood for anything much bigger.) Would that be big enough to make into a fuge, and how much light would it need over it? I don't plan on overstocking this tank. Oh and if I do this fuge thing do I still need as much live rock if any? That stuff is expensive, can I mix it with base rock?
Thanks
 

aquaguy24

Active Member
If u built the sump correctly and with correct water level u shouldn't have a flood even if the return pump stops working.
If u still want a skimmer. Check out the AquaC Remora. It will out perform the prism and sea clone.
As for the aqua clear. Just remove all the media and replace it with cheato. A simple clip on halogen lamp will work. I have a Large HOB CPR Aquafuge which has it own light. I have just some cheato in it now but will be adding some rock rubble for added biofiltration.
For live rock u can buy base rock and it will become live soon enough. In saltwater tanks the rocks are the biggest part of yr filtration.
 

nigerbang

Active Member
Seaclowns suck as do Berlins.. octopus makes a good skimmer for the price.. Since its only a 20 you could prolly browse some local clubs and see if you can find a Reef Octo for around $100 or so.. MRC makes great skimmers but quite a bit larger than you need..
 

coyle

Member
Regarding the filter/refugium if I take the media out and put in cheato is the algae long/thick enough not to be carried out into the tank? I totally want to do it if possible.
I was thinking about a coralife 65 but my lfs thinks that with my powerheads already putting out 500gph it might be too much for a 20 gallon tank.
of course I could always make that other tank a sump and do this right if you think the chance of flooding isn't an issue. The bottom tank is a 10 gallon.
I'm going to check out the aqua c remora too. How much should I be able get base rock for being that I'm in the Tampa Bay area of Florida. The LFS sells it for $2.50lb, and $5lb for live fiji rock (will post some pics soon of the progress.)
Thanks
 
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