Choosing the right skimmer

Discussion in 'New To The Hobby' started by Kristiavi, Apr 10, 2011.

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  1. Kristiavi

    Kristiavi Coral Banded Shrimp

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    Mar 25, 2011
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    Location:
    Jacksonville, Fl
    I decided I want to put a skimmer in my tank and after a lot of research im still left slightly confussed. They are so many different kinds and what they do all seems a little different. I want to get a decent skimmer. I can afford to spend around a 100 bucks, maybe a little more for the right skimmer. Do you guys have any suggestions or helpful tips to get me on the right track. Im comfortable buying online if my lfs doesnt have what I need. Thanks
     
    Kristiavi, Apr 10, 2011
    Kristiavi, Apr 10, 2011
    #1

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  2. Clonefarmer

    Clonefarmer Millepora

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    IMO it's worth spending a little more to get a good skimmer from the start. I started with a cheap, used Coralife 65 skimmer for $50. It worked well enough, but I ended up upgrading and spending more than if I just bought a good one from the start.

    Reef Octopus makes some decent quality skimmers for the price.
     
    Clonefarmer, Apr 10, 2011
    Clonefarmer, Apr 10, 2011
    #2
  3. Powerman

    Powerman Giant Squid

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    In sump or HOB. This for the 36g?
     
    Powerman, Apr 10, 2011
    Powerman, Apr 10, 2011
    #3
  4. Kristiavi

    Kristiavi Coral Banded Shrimp

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    HOB I havent started a sump yet. And yes in my 36g
     
    Kristiavi, Apr 10, 2011
    Kristiavi, Apr 10, 2011
    #4
  5. Kristiavi

    Kristiavi Coral Banded Shrimp

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    Kristiavi, Apr 10, 2011
    Kristiavi, Apr 10, 2011
    #5
  6. Reeron

    Reeron Blue Ringed Angel

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    Kingston, NY
    I've purchased a used AquaC Remora HOB skimmer for under $90 shipped. In my opinion, it is a set it and forget it skimmer (and pulls out a load of gunk). I've never had to adjust anything on it in over 2 years.
     
    Reeron, Apr 10, 2011
    Reeron, Apr 10, 2011
    #6

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  7. Reeron

    Reeron Blue Ringed Angel

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    Where? ;D

    I have one on my 20g.
     
    Last edited: Apr 10, 2011
    Reeron, Apr 10, 2011
    Reeron, Apr 10, 2011
    #7
  8. Powerman

    Powerman Giant Squid

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    The Remoras are very popular HObs... much better than the seaclones. Aquamaxx makes a HOB 1 that is one of the best but it is twice as much as you want to spend. Reef Octo and SWC are too big I think... Look into the Remora... or bite the bullet and do a sump and get a SWC 120 cone.
     
    Powerman, Apr 10, 2011
    Powerman, Apr 10, 2011
    #8
  9. m2434

    m2434 Giant Squid

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    The Reefoctopus HOB skimmers are probably the best HOB skimmers IMO. They always get very good reviews and are fairly affordable. You'd probbaly even be fine with a Reef Octopus BH 100
    Hang on Back HOB Reef Octopus Protein Skimmers

    The Remora is also one of the better ones out there. The reviews seem to be pretty good as well, although the RO seems to provide more bang for the buck. However, it depends what kind of deal you find.
    Aquarium air supplies, fish tank air supplies, air pump, regenerative blower, air diffusers at AquaCave.com

    Most of the others really just aren't very good. With an HOB you really don't want one that will overflow onto your floor....
     
    m2434, Apr 10, 2011
    m2434, Apr 10, 2011
    #9
  10. thepanfish

    thepanfish Flying Squid

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    No no no no! Not a good choice! I would get a Reef Octopus BH100SS, I love mine.
     
    thepanfish, Apr 10, 2011
    thepanfish, Apr 10, 2011
    #10
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