Yet another skimmer question...

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I know there are alot of these posts, as I've spent a good amount of the night pouring over them, however, I'm still gonna make my own.
I'm setting up a 55G FOWLR to get myself acclimated to marine tank upkeep. I'll be setting up a much larger (240 or bigger) tank in the very near future, so while I don't want to buy junk, I would like to keep it as cheap as possible on this tank. I plan to spare little expense on the forthcoming tank, so I'd like to lessen the pain right now.
I'll be using a 20G sump, 50-50 lbs. of Fiji LR. As for the protein skimmer, I'd really like to keep it around $150. From what I can see, Seclone and Prizm are questionable at best, and Berlin's seem to have a very mixed response.
I'm seriously looking at the Urchin w/ maxijet pump. Seems to be the only skimmer in my $ range that doesn't have alot of negatives said about it.
Thoughts or alternatives??????
Thanks,
J

 

[robchuck]

Here's a thought. Since you will only have this tank set up for a short while, why not buy a quality used skimmer and sell it when you tear down the 55. This way, you won't loose much money and won't have to deal with the inadequacies of a poor skimmer.
By the way, I've read similar things about the Prizm, Seaclone, and Berlin. In my opinion, these skimmers are way over-rated for the tank capacity they can handle. Euro Reef and AquaC are much more realistic in rating their skimmers.

 

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That was actually my first thought. I've been cruising ---- and other boards classifieds. I've realized, people that buy good skimmers don't sell them, it's only tyhe bad ones I see up for sale
I'm honestly really starting to lean towards a berlin Classic. At least there's some good things written about them, seems to be 50/50. While I agress that the capacity rating of 25-250G is optimistic, to say the least, I can't help but think that my lil 55 is on the lower end of the spectrum.
Most importantly, I'm buying this full well knowing that I'll be buying another one, kinda seems more justifiable.
That is unless you wanna sell me that CS6-1 you've got, for $150

 

[robchuck]

From what I've read of other's experiences, the Berlin should be more than suitable for your 55. Besides, the +/- experiences you gain from using it will help you to decide exactly what you want when you spend the big $$$ on the 240.
Still, keep an eye on the classifieds here and especially at local reef sites. I've seen quite a few decent skimmers lately go for prices within your range.
That is unless you wanna sell me that CS6-1 you've got, for $150
$225 and a road trip to Chicago and it's yours! It's kind of weird selling the ER knowing the performance it gave me, but I need to do it to justify the expense of the MRC skimmer I picked up to replace it. Though if it doesn't sell, I've already got a nice skimmer on hand for a new system. Hmm....