Protein skimmer vs protein skimmer (please help)

Hey I've seen some other similar topics on google, from both 3reef, and other forum threads, but I guess I'll ask again as time changes ideas change.

I'm wondering which to get out of these 2 skimmers for my 30 gallon acrylic brand new in-cycle (maybe reef, if so only a few) tank.

CPR bak-pak2 - CPR AQUATIC, INC - BAK-PAK™ 2

Aquac Remora - Remora Hang-On

Now, with the aquac I'd be getting one with a maxi jet 900, just for your information. And for the bak-pak2 I suppose they come with the pump in the pic?

Also, what's up with the bio-bale? Do i need it after my tank is a bit more mature? I dont think so, but I was wondering, since I dont have a sump, where the bio-bale is could hold my probe heater? Right, or would it melt plastic or something? The only reason I havn't already chosen the remora is because the heater idea. Gimme some advice please

 

IMO... 30 gallon fish only tank go skimmer less with water changes.... 30 gallon reef go skimmer less with more water changes.

 

Well I don't have a CPR skimmer, but I have their HOB refugium and it is a quality product. I would imagine their other products would reflect the same quality. And the bak pak should come with the pump.

The biology department at my school used Remoras on their tanks and they seemed to work really well. Pulled some nasty looking skim mate all the time.

The bio bale is just a way to incorporate biological filtration in the system. If you're familiar with freshwater filters, same thing as a biowheel. If you are using live rock in your system, I honestly don't see a reason why you would need it. And the heater will not melt the acrylic.

 

There's also the Hydor Slim Skim skimmer but out of the two you've mentioned IMO, the Bak-Pak2 would be my choice.

 

The Hydor Skim is an internal skimmer, having such a small tank (29 gallons) I'd think an internal would take up valuable room am i right?

To the rest reading this, I will be keeping SOME corals, and I'm big on having crystal clear water and gorgeous stuff lol, is a protein skimmer really not needed as long as I do my weekly changes of 10+- %?

 

It is internal, but it has a fairly small footprint. I believe it is around 3.5 inches by 3.5 inches and about 13 inches long (underwater). It's really discreet, especially if you have a black background. I really like mine.

And the skimmer is not necessary, but it wont hurt. You will see plenty of great looking tanks that run skimmer less.

 

The foot print on the slim skim nano is small enough I believe to fit in the back chamber of the 29 biocube-Dimensions: 12" X 3" X 3.33" for tanks up to 35g
I'm personally putting this into my 26g DT.

 

if your doing 10% weekly on a 30 gal....your doing more than a skimmer could do...imo : )