Skimmer for under $50?

Hi. I'm hesitant to start another "which skimmer should I get" thread, but the ones I've read through haven't lead me to a conclusion. I'm setting up a new 20 gallon tank (no sump) and am on a very tight budget. Can anybody reccomend a skimmer that's under $50?

These are the ones I've been looking at:

AquaMedic Air Driven Skimmer
AquaEuro needle wheel skimmer
Rio Nano
Counter Current
Fission Nano
VisiJet
Berlin Air Lift
Jebo 180 II

Does anybody have any experiences with these, or others, that could provide some insight?

Thanks!!

 

I've never had small PS, so I cant really help you in that department. But I can tell you this, whatever you do dont get the Jebo or Odyssea. Junk is an understatement. Other piece of advice, skimmers are one of those pieces of equipment that you shouldnt go cheap. Also, you need to think ahead. Do you plan on up grading to a bigger tank? If so, you should get a skimmer that will fullfill your needs now and in the next set up. Just food for thought. Luna

 

+1 on all points. Just let everything sit till you have the money for good equipment. Cutting corners just doesnt work with a saltwater tank. If you set up a tank with all really cheap stuff, the tank will fail. Going with cheap equipment will cost you a lot more in the long run, or even worse, drive you away from the hobby completely. I've been down that road, and had to re-do everything. Just save up till you can afford quality stuff.

 

All I can say is good luck finding one. Most of the ones under $50 is under powered and overrated. I would look into building one.

 

The only thing that i could think of would be to get a good one that is used for the time being and then upgrade when you can afford better.

 

Im using the jebo 180 II did not do very well hanging on the back of the tank but works 5 times better in the sump its ok but still not grate.

 

+1 there. I had a jebo. It sucked. Bad. Save your money and look into either an AquaC Remora or an Octoput BH-100F. Until then, you can survive on water changes or an inexpensive HOB filter with a tank that small.

 

used is the magic word you just gonna have to watch ebay for one
thats where i got my coralife 125 for $36.25. sorry i like bragging about that

 

That certainly sounds like a consensus! I'll check out E-Bay and see what I can find used. Wow Sostoudt that's a great deal!! I'm mostly concerned about skimming because I had such a bad cyano problem in my old 10g tank and was hoping the skimming would starve the cyano & decrease the CO2 it needs to multiply. Would a UV sterilizer be of any help in controlling the cyano? Thanks to everybody for the input!

 

Yeah, id say anything under 100 bux as far a good small nano skimmer is gonna suck. Im setting up a 20 gallon nano for my gf and picking up a tunze nano skimmer...thats about as good as i can find for the price. 153.00 bux