help pick out a protein skimmer

Discussion in 'New To The Hobby' started by tattoolew, Oct 16, 2011.

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  1. tattoolew

    tattoolew Sea Dragon

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    So I was wandering where to begin with a protein skimmer. I have a 54gal corner tank, it is not drilled so I will be needing an overflow. I also have a canister filter in mind, (Cascade 1000) will I be able to pump water from my skimmer into sump, through the canister then back into the tank?
     
    tattoolew, Oct 16, 2011
    tattoolew, Oct 16, 2011
    #1

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  2. brunoboarder244

    brunoboarder244 Torch Coral

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    you could but it it isnt necessary to have both a canister and sump if you were to go with one or the other a sump is your best bet....the best bet if you wanted to do both is to gravity drain from the display tank to your sump and then pump out of sump through canister and back to the display tank as for skimmers it depends on the amount willing to spend. i have an aquac remora pro and i am very happy with it but if you have space in your sump id say go with the aquac urchin because its an in sump skimmer and its moderately priced, especially used
     
    brunoboarder244, Oct 16, 2011
    brunoboarder244, Oct 16, 2011
    #2
  3. rocketmandb

    rocketmandb Ocellaris Clown

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    I am a big fan of the Reef Octopus skimmers and believe they give you the best bang for the the buck. The SRO 1000 would be a good one - slightly overkill, but not much - for a 54 corner. It's under $300 and will easily run up to about a 90g tank.
     
    rocketmandb, Oct 16, 2011
    rocketmandb, Oct 16, 2011
    #3
  4. norg.

    norg. Kole Tang

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    I hate to be the bearer of bad news but I think using the canister as a return would not be a good idea at all. As it breaks in and gets clogged up the flow rate will slow considerably. This could end up flooding your sump if you dont allow adequate room for it. And it just wouldnt be a consistent return. It would be a much better idea to go with an actual return pump. A sump is a great idea. I would also consider sectioning off an area for a refugium. As for a skimmer, reef octopus is a great call. If you are looking for cost effectiveness Id look into an Eshopps skimmer. Great bang for your buck.
     
    norg., Oct 16, 2011
    norg., Oct 16, 2011
    #4
  5. rocketmandb

    rocketmandb Ocellaris Clown

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    +1 - not to mention that a cannister's pump is not built for head pressure. Get a return pump and if you want to run the cannister filter then run it normally. Also, consider running it as a media chamber rather than a standard filter. Most cannister filters have parts you can buy to do this.
     
    rocketmandb, Oct 17, 2011
    rocketmandb, Oct 17, 2011
    #5
  6. M-Ocean Man

    M-Ocean Man Flame Angel

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    +1 on the Reef Octo - I own two (soon to be three) and could not be happier - "best bang for your buck" is right on IMHO.
     
    M-Ocean Man, Oct 17, 2011
    M-Ocean Man, Oct 17, 2011
    #6