I'm trying to be realistic. Help a brotha out...

Hi everyone.

So earlier today, I posted a thread about upgrading to a 65G tank. I currently have a 25 gallon.

I found a pretty good deal on craigslist, but after some thought, I realize now that at this point in time, 65g is simply too much for me to handle, especially since I'm going to be moving in the next 2 months. When I do move, I plan on building an awesome stand for this tank ( i love woodwork, and have been inspired by some of the builds on here), and adding a sump.

which leads me to my question.

What would be great skimmer for me to purchase that I could at this point in time, hang on the back of my 25 gallon tank, and at a later point build a sump for to move underneath?

I will admit, I post this question knowing very little about protein skimmers. I have a basic understanding of how they function, and have read quite a few threads in other forums debating if they take too much out of the water, making having to dose an issue.

My current set up is this:

25g
25 lbs live rock ( I plan on removing most of it and replacing it with rock I actually like the look of)
2 inch sand / argonite bed
5 fish (I only wanted my two clowns, but a family member decided to "surpirse!" me, with 3 more fish)
3 hermits
2 snails.
infinite algae :-/. lol

The tank has been up for 10-11 weeks. I will be returning at least 1 of the fish to the store when I move. I feel like 5 fish is a high bio load for this small tank.

I don't plan on having an amazing reef tank anytime soon, but I would like to have a few soft corals and an anemone sometime in the future, when my tank is ready.

Could those of you who have smaller tanks, or experience with hang-on skimmers offer some words of wisdom?

I'd really appreciate it.

I'm looking to spend around $150 on a skimmer at the most.

Thanks In advance

Brew

 

if moving in two months, dont buy a skimmer now. keep doing water changes and aggressively remove algae. also only feed fish 3-4 times a week, and only enough for them to eat in a couple minutes. you'll want a sump/fuge/or wetdry for that 65g and probly a in-sump protein skimmer. you'll want a 75-100g+ sized skimmer.. for $150 budget for a new skimmer, selection will be thin.. good thing is you can use that 25g as a sump, so just get the tank you wanting & build a stand to house the large tank on top and 25g sump inside.

Aquarium Protein Skimmer: Marineland Pro Skimmers

^^ in sump


Reef Aquarium Filtration & Protein Skimmers: Eshopps Hang-On Protein Skimmers

hang on.^^


FYI: I've had my sealife 75g skimmer for 12 years, still works..

http://www.sealifesystems.com/product_info.php?products_id=1170

 

I really like my Coralife 65. It can be hung on the back or put in the sump. They are less or right at 100.00. Mine has been taking care of my 150g for almost 2 years now. It pulls alot of skimmate. Don't always believe you have to buy some monster skimmer. It only skims when there is something to skim. Otherwise they just idle.

 

x2

just depends on your future tanks bio-load and what filtration methods are going to be used, when making a decision on a skimmer. imho

 

Skimmers are a neccesity for these tanks...the coralife is a great skimmer as you can see by others posts.

I had one on my 135 and it worked great. I sent you a PM if you are interested in it!!!

 

Aqua C has great HO skimmers for a great price! Loving my Aqua-C Remora Pro! It's on my 55gal.