My skimmers dont work

I have two tanks a 75 gallon and a 45 gallon. The skimmers (HOB) that were on them no longer work. I am new to all this and need help deciding what to do. Are HOB skimmers ok or should I look for something else. I don't have a lot of money but realize it takes money to keep these up and running so want something that will work and last. Any help is much appreciated.

 

Do you have a sump? If so, I would get away from HOBs.
If you don't have a sump, I would seriously consider it. They are actually quite easy to set up and can be cheap too.

If you want a HOB - from what I have seen I like SWC's HOB, Warner Marine has had great ones although I think one he currently has requires two pumps. AquaMaxx looks good but I haven't seen that one running yet..

 

+1 The main difference between HOB skimmers and in sump/tank skimmers is there is a risk of flooding your house with HOB's.

 

+2 and whatever you do, don't cheap out if you go the HOB route. Floors and carpets are much more expensive than a good skimmer.... Sump is safer.

 

I have an Aquamaxx hob-1 and love it. No risk of flooding it has built in fail-safes

 

How did Both of your skimmers stop working? Did they just loose their prime? or did possibly the impellers just fail. I'll be the first to admit, when my hob skimmer bit the bullet (or so I thought) e shoppes sent me a replacement peller and that fixed me up. I'm not sure what brand you have (or brands) but if you're not planning a sump (which like said by others is very cheap, and easy) I'd get eshoppes model. Mine's been running for a year now and still pumpin'.

 

..when my hob was not skimming...it just needed to be cleaned..: /
BUT..."not working" is kind of vague...pumps quit? no bubbles? ...not producing skim-mate....what exactly is not working?
I have been running a CPR HOB on my 90 gallon for years (hanging on the sump)..used a maxi jet 1200, worked ok ..just upgraded this month to the euro reef though....they should get ya by, until you can afford an upgrade. imo : )