Back in the Game!!

So its been six months since my ex held hostage/broke down/ stole my tank. I just got a promotion and raise so it is time to get back into the tank game. I am starting from scratch, but at least i have the chance to things a little different "and do it right"

Since its been a half year since I have done anything is the fish world, I got a couple of questions:
Protein Skimmers: what brands/styles do you guys like?
external return Pumps: what do you guys think? are they worth the price?
"SQUIDS" the alternating flow valve: do they work well? something similar in price but better in performance?
Cutting thick acrylic any tips?

That is it for today, and its good to be back (for awhile it was to hard to even get onto this site. Its like going to the dog park after your dog dies)

 

My skimmer is a venturi style, and I like it. It was made by DAS which is kinda obscure but it works well! Don't have much advice for the rest of your inquiries, but WELCOME BACK!

and weeeeeee!! 200 posts!

 

I think a new tank and doing it even better than the first is the best way to move forward and get over what happened. I can't really answer your questions but good luck anyway.

 

As far as skimmers go, I really like Precision Marine, particularly their Redline line. I have a PM RL125 and really like it. Built very well and skims great.

 

I haven't heard anything but good on the SWC Cone skimmers. They're outta my price league but maybe something to look into.
Welcome back to the hobby!

 

I used a squid - it jammed. I think those are more suited for freshwater.

 

Sorry to hear you lost your last tank, but congrats on getting another.

What size tank you planning on getting?

For skimmers I recommend ilooking into Bubble Magus. I just got the NAC6. For the price I don't think it can be beat. Very well built for the money.
Can't help out too much with the other questions.

 

Hey Matt,
Do you know of another company that makes something similar? I was considering on one for my 75 but not if they jam.

 

I love my NAC6 too. Great value.

 

Thanx everyone, I have this 55 Ive been holding onto for my friend and it time to clean out my storage unit. So the tank is now mine! (mostly because it has a stand and hood for it) The tank does need to be modified, it has an internal skimmer/ wet/dry. But I am going run a sump/ fug so I have to cut it out, thus best way to cut acrylic.

That is what I heard, but someone said the bigger one worked better but the little one was junk.