Surface skimmer?

Okay so here is what I've come up with (thinking about loud here... lol). Maybe you guys can tell me if it sounds reasonable.

Since the filter/skimmer combo is about $50.00 less than the AquaClear filter I was going to get, I could invest that much more into a better protein skimmer, since that's more important than a filter system alone. Since I can get away without having a filter at all, the HoB filter with surface skimmer would just be an added benefit instead of a crutch. With the HoB filter/skimmer and a good protein skimmer, I should be set, right?

 

I'll make sure I pass that message along to my small children and my drunk friends. =P

 

yea you can do that.

 

Thank you very much, especially for your patience in helping me sort out my problems! lol

 

I personally used to have a 90 long (not reef ready) and constantly had to deal with the surface scum and poor water quality. I now have a 120 gal. reef ready w/ cornerflo. I have had this tank for a few months now and it is a lot more efficient/convenient. It also allows you to set up a sump which provides more water flow and space for filtration equipment. Not to mention you don't have all this equipment cluttering up your DT. I also used to use a hang on skimmer and HATED it. The tube was so small that the water level had to be perfect or else it wouldn't skim and with all the evaporation from my lighting system the water level would drop quickly. The hang on skimmer would only skim for about one hour a day and the collection cup was 1 cup in volume so it just didn't do a good job. It would also constantly clog up with mineral deposit and fall into the tank. I upgraded to an in sump skimmer
skimmer.JPG

The in sump skimmer works like a charm removing all the unwanted organics from the water. Also, the overflo keeps the surface water crystal clear and when you add top-off water it is much easier dumping it into a sump under the tank vs. dripping all over your DT and trying to pour around the lighting. So in my opinion I would recommend (if you haven't bought a tank yet) get a reef ready tank right off the bat even if you aren't planning on having coral right now because you probably will in the future and it's always nice to have the option. Your tank will be cleaner and you won't have to deal with all the headaches of "hang-on" equipment by setting up a simple 20 gal. sump unless you have more space (bigger is better/easier). Just a thought...

 

Thank you very much for the input, tgood.

A little about my situation, if you don't mind...

I've always wanted a saltwater tank. Very recently, my sister gave me her 50 gal tank, along with stand and lights to go with it. Lucky me, right? lol It is not drilled. Which from what I understand is limiting my options.

I'm considering this tank my practice tank. I am not going to do reefs in this tank at the moment, just a few fish and live rock. I'm learning everything I can (I read so much my eyes hurt lol) and I'm taking the process pretty slow. I'd really like to have the rock, water and sand in the tank so I can begin that process. I'm not in a big hurry to put fish in, mostly just to get started. =)

If I can manage to keep everything alive (including myself) in the tank, my husband is going to buy me a bigger, better tank and I'll go more in to depth on corals and such then. I think it will be a great time to become familiar with the chemistry, etc. involved.

I'm trying to start out pretty basic because there is so much stuff to absorb right away. I'm thinking the filter/skimmer combo just to get some movement going, a good protein skimmer and then the obvious. Not only do I not have a drilled tank but I do not have a cabinet and I'm trying to get away from the the whole sump deal right now because I have a curious two year old and I'm afraid i'll have a hard time keeping her out of it at first. It just seems easier to go the other route for now.

 

The fact that your tank is not "pre-drilled" does not eliminate your possibility of a sump. There are many folks that have sumps on tanks that are not drilled. Getting a good overflow box will eliminate your 'no holes' problem and allow you to have a sump. But, I understand about the 2 year old, their curiosity is unbounded.

 

I would reccomend a sump to put all your equipment in. But if you cannot do this I would at least get a good hang on protein skimmer, and a hang on refugium. A hang on phosphate reactor will help prevent algae outbreaks.