skimmer sugestions (new)

hey everybody, im looking to get a skimmer for my 55 gal tank.

so far i have done a little research and came up with a cpr bak pak 2 or a reef octopus....

i am new to this hobby and am not sure what to really look for/whats good whats not etc etc

i dont have a sump or fuge or any external tank, it would have to be a hob skimmer i think then right? or can they just be plumbed?

i would prefer a skimmer that dosent have much entering the water(preferably just a intake and outtake tube)

so if you could please point me in the right way that would be great!

thanks alot
t

 

I have a CPS Bak-Pak2 on my 20G tank and it does the trick. I don't have a heavily stocked reef, it's basically FOWLR. The pricing between a CPR and an AquaC Remora is very close, the Remora being about $20 more. But the performace between the two is pretty significant in favor of the Remora. If I had to do it all over again, I would go Remora. They don't produce as much turbulent bubbles as the Bak-Pak, which means less salt creep.
AquaC Remora Protein Skimmer With Rio+ 800 Pump, Protein Skimmers > Saltwater Aquarium Supplies

 

If its between those two, the octopus would be much better. The CPR needs about 3 mods to get it working efficiently, and even after that hassle, still wouldnt be as good as an octopus.. I havent owned a remora, but I hear that the octopus's beat those out performance-wise also. My vote goes to octopus. I love mine.
If your interested, I wrote a review of the octopus from a noob standpoint here:http://www.3reef.com/forums/protein-skimmers/user-review-octopus-bh-100f-52288.html

 

Octopus BH-100F or AquaC Remora. Check out the Deltec MC500 or MCE600 if you want to spend lots and lots 'o money.

 

I would recommend the Aquac Remora, if its anything like my AquaC EV 180 series, go for it. Well worth the money. Luna

 

I have to go with the Remora. I have one on my 55 tank. Works great, very simple, just plug and go. Only thing you need to adjust is the collection cup level, depending on how wet you want it to skim. I highly recommend the maxi jet 1200 as a pump.

 

I have the HOB Octopus...It is great!!

 

PM Bullet Series

 

He needs a hang on back. Luna

 

I have an Aqua C on my 40 and it works great and takes up very little room, very slimline design.