Protein Skimmer Advice

Hi all,
I am new to saltwater aquariums and was wondering which protein skimmer would be best.
i am setting up a 55 gallon aquarium with live rock and sand, coral, invert, and fish.
I really would prefer to stay at around $100 but the most I will spend is around $150.
What skimmers do yall prefer?

 

are you looking for in-sump or hang-on?

 

Annie3410 brought up a good question that should be addressed in making the right decision. The good thing is that their are alot of skimmers that can be hang-on or in sump!
Aqua C remora or Urchin and Coralife are good reputable brands!

 

I use the AquaC Remora Pro. Started out using it as a hang on. Now that I have a sump it hangs on the side of the sump. Could also place it inside the sump if I wanted too but this way I add more water volume to my tank. Very versitle that way and works great.

 

If it has to be a Hang on tank skimmer then I'd say the Turboflotor Multi SL hang-on is the best I have ever seen , it can also be used as in sump and will run away with a 180 gal or so . Its the ease of changimg from HOB to insump that really makes it stand out and it is a fine litle skimmer. May want to look at them about 225.00 or so But its the only one you'd need .

 

i tried a hang on and after i had it set up i saw the chance of it goin real bad with overflows.....i have a sump and a good cheap skimmer for a 55 is the marineland pro i hear they are about 150 now... want some info look at the posts on this site. Some people have had issues with them leakin but i have had no issues. BUT... if u have no sump then i hear the remora is great...

 

I'd save a few more pennies over the next couple months and get one you'll be happy with - you won't need one for the first couple months anyways while the tank cycles. It's better to leave that biological matter in the tank to help with the cycle.

 

can't beat the msx and octopus brand skimmer now, they are running pretty good even with the HOB

 

AquaC Remora or Octopus BH-100F. Tangster had a recommendation I had never heard of. I am looking into it for myself as it is very difficult to argue anything marine with this dude.

 

I plan on useing a HOB.
I don't have sump and don't plan on having one.