Protein Skimmer Suggestions

I was looking into building my own protein skimmer, but with the 50 dollars worth of parts (and all the scratching your head) I figured I might be able to buy one that will work just as good for the same price, maybe.

I found these two on ebay.
Recirculating Protein Skimmer Model # 8105A - eBay (item 280534366789 end time Jul-20-10 14:59:24 PDT)

AQUARIUM TANK PROTEIN SKIMMER FILTER W/POWER HEAD PUMP - eBay (item 160457195203 end time Jul-19-10 15:14:49 PDT)

I don't have a problem paying this much for a skimmer. I just don't want to spend 100 or 150 on one. Does anyone have any suggestions if these two would work OK on a system? A 120G tank, that is.

I have a 30G system set up now and all it has is a fuge with DSB and Chaeto. The pump isn't strong and it only circulates the tank maybe 1-2 times per hour. Haven't done ANY water changes since Feb. and all Ammonia, Nitrates, and Nitrites have been ZERO or very very close to Zero for the past several months. The only real issue I have had is high phosphates, and some unwanted algae. Nothing too serious. All this done without using a protein skimmer ever. I have two clowns, a mandarin goby, snails, anenomies, etc. all living happily for several months.

But with the 120G we just bought a 55G tank for the fuge and thought about maybe putting a skimmer in it. This is why I'm looking for one right now. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

Im not sure looking at getting or makeing a skimmer myself. Im sure someone on here will have an idea!

 

well if you wanna go cost effective i would try out the coralife super skimmer, or i would just wait till u could get the cash for a quality skimmer, many people don't run skimmers on their systems, i am not one of those people. i think a good skimmer is super important part of your filtration. at the least it makes keeping your water clean much easier.

 

I'd say if you are going to only spend 50 on a skimmer I would not even get one. They don't work. I just got a an eshops 75 hang on for 111 at dr foster and smiths. Its normally around 150.

 

save your money and look into something better. You can find good deals, you just have to be patient which is what this hobby is all about.