New Hang On Back Protein Skimmer or Sump.

So I have been pondering running my new 20 gallon aquarium as strictly a sumpless SPS Reef Aquarium. My reasoning for this is strictly because I would like to prevent having to run a pair of PVC pipes across a visible wall to the cabinet that would house the sump. So with that being said. I have narrowed down my search to three Hang On Back Protein Skimmers and I would like to know peoples opinion and experiences with each. If would be a great help in me making a decision so I could please an order today. Or should I just suck it up and purchase a sump use an overflow since I am not interested in drilling the aquarium.

Deltec MCE400 Hang On Back Protein Skimmer
Website: Deltec MCE400 Hang on Skimmer | The Aquarium Solution
My Personal Thoughts: I know Deltec is on the premium of what is available to hobbyist. However, I'm wondering if new technology has allowed more affordable options to meet or exceed Deltec's quality and efficiency. I think this protein skimmer meets my needs and would be the best option in my opinion because the body is dark abs plastic and would not allow algae growth within the chamber from the bleed out of my Kessil.

Reef Octopus BH 2000 hand On Back Protein Skimmer
Website: CoralVue- Reef Octopus BH2000 Hang On Back Protein Skimmer - HOB
My Personal Thoughts: I like this protein skimmer for the price point. I also am curious about the performance of the skimmer in comparison to the Deltec.

AquaMaxx HOB-1 Hang On Back Protein Skimmer
Website: http://www.aquamaxxaquariums.com/AquaMaxx_HOB_Skimmers.html
My Personal Thoughts: I think this protein skimmer is great for the price point and has a diffuser plate built in. The only thing that I don't like is the color since I'm trying to maintain the aesthetics since the aquarium is housed in the dinning room.

 

Sump. Without question.

Maybe a 10 gal or 20 gal.

And you can get an SCA-301 skimmer for less that $100 that will at LEAST keep up with, if not out perform that reef octopus skimmer.

...if you think two pvc pipes are an eye sore, wait till you start trying to hang more noisy crap off the back a 20 gal display.

AND, pvc is super easy to paint, you can paint it to blend in super easy!