AquaC Remora Nano or CPR bakpak 2 for 20gal FOWLR?

Hi guys, I'm new to this forum. I've been a cichlid enthusiast for quite sometime now but recently started my very first saltwater FOWLR tank. I've been looking into protein skimmers and it seems like the AquaC and CPR skimmers are the most widely used. I'm looking into the AquaC Remora, AquaC Remora Nano and CPR bakpak for my 20gal. Also do I need a preskimmer box, and what exactly does this do?

Currently I'm using 2 Aqua Clear 30 HOB's and a koralia 420 powerhead. I also have 20lbs of live sand and 15-18lbs of live fiji rock. I will be removing one of the Aqua Clear 30's to replace with the skimmer.

Also the owner of the LFS told me that an advantage of a skimmer is that i can do less frequent water changes. Currently I am doing 25% water changes weekly. So with a skimmer how long could I go between water changes?

Thank you in advance and I look forward to learning more about marine setups! ;D

 

Anyldxp

welcome to 3 reef
IMO both of those skimmers would be great purchases for your set up, both brands have recieved very many positive reviews so I dont feel you would be going wrong with either to be honest

water changes
depends on what your keeping and the quality of your water
if you are able to maintain decent water quality and especially a nitrate level that suitable for the species you have chosen to keep, then 5% weekly or 10% every other week, is fine IME
Just as a way of keeping water refreshed with minor and trace elements that are typically not dosed (as they cannot be tested for)

Steve

 

Thank you for the welcome! I've decided that I will be going for the AquaC remora. Will it still be necessary to run one of my Aqua Clear 30 filters? I'm housing 1 GSP, 1 Clown, 1 Blue Damsel, 1 Yellow-Tail Blue Damsel, and one Scooter Blenny. Thanks in advance!

 

I would, your filter runs the water through carbon, and the skimmer will only remove wastes from the water. They both are needed in saltwater.

 

Ok, thank you so much! I'm excited for everything to come together.

Another question I have is about water changes. Right now I'm doing 25% weekly, which many people have said is too much? Maybe i'm just used to doing 25% weekly water changes for my cichlid tanks, as they are messy eaters and produce a lot of wastes. How often should I be changing the water in my 20gal FOWLR?

The guy at the LFS told me that I should be testing my water frequently and base my water changes off of the test results, so I will be picking up an API master test kit. If the levels need to be corrected, how much water should I be changing out?

 

Just so you're aware before you spend the money, the API kits are pretty low range. If its FOWLR maybe it's not as big of a deal. Personally I started using more Seachem test kits and got away from the API combo kits. Just another thing to think about, I know you've already got plenty ;D

 

LOL. Thanks for the heads up!