What skimmer to use, fairly new at saltwater

[spcwlkr]

I have a 20 gal tank been running for a few weeks now, my local store is telling me to get a big fancy skimmer thats like 100 bucks, but i only have the small tank. Also at the same store 1 guy tells me i need one real fast, the other says no big deal yet. Oh I am just using it for reefs. Whats my options? Thanks

 

[meowzer]

I have a BakPak 2 on my 29G...it was $100+ A skimmer (IMO) is a big asset...you do not need one while you are cycling, but IMO....I would get one before you add any livestock
this is only my opinion....lol....

 

[spcwlkr]

Hey every opinon helps. What do you mean by a BakPak? I'm new to all this. just been running my tank for about 3 weeks now, got 12 pounds live rock in it and live sand, and all seems A-OK oh and AquaClear 50 for the filter.

 

[meowzer]

Originally Posted by SpcWlkr
http:///forum/post/3163152
Hey every opinon helps. What do you mean by a BakPak? I'm new to all this. just been running my tank for about 3 weeks now, got 12 pounds live rock in it and live sand, and all seems A-OK oh and AquaClear 50 for the filter.
Google BakPak2...it's a protein skimmer, hangs on the back....pulls out a lot of junk too
Attachment 233798

 

[nigerbang]

In all honesty a $100 skimmer isnt a big fancy one.. A "big fancy one" is around $300+
With a 20 gallon I wouldnt even worry about it if you are johnny on the sopt with water changes and all.. If you want to slack a tad then you can buy a decent one..

 

[spcwlkr]

Thanks, might serriously look into this one. Just so im clear, it is also a filter system aswell? Does both skims and filters so I could get rid of my aqua clear??

 

[nigerbang]

It removes waste that is too small to be caught by a normal filter...
I only have a skimmer on my system but my tank has been running a decent amount of time with lots of rock to help aid in filtration...

 

[meowzer]

I have filters and skimmers on all my tanks.....after seeing what the skimmer pulls out....I honestly would not have a tank w/o one....and I am pretty good about my water changes too..
again...only my opinion..LOL...OK the reason I say that is cause a lot of people use them...and some do not....all I can say is they work for me....

 

[calbert0]

No skimmers here!

 

[bmkj02]

If you are going to keep up with weekly water changes then you really dont have too. If not then yes on one. I also have a 24g tank with a 20g sump and skimmer cause I do water changes every 3-4 weeks on it. $100 on a skimmer is going to frustrate you in the long run. You get what you pay for. I learned my leason when I spent $100 on a seaclone just to turn around and spend another $300 on a skimmer and lost the $100

 

[lil.guppy]

I got the hang on back octopus skimmer 100SS for $100 but with your size tank you can get the smaller one and those are even cheaper. I love mine and have no issues with it