Skimmer for 40 gal

Hey guys,

I have a 40 gal reef tank with a fulval canister. I'm looking to get a refuge/sump together and I'm' being told that the skimmer/sump combination is the best way to do that. My problem is that I don't want to spend $200 on a skimmer especially when my tank is so small. I'm looking for a small skimmer but I'm afraid that these smaller skimmers are junk. For example: Skilter Filters

What makes a good skimmer. I just don't want to have to spend a ton of money on a overkill skimmer for a 40 gal tank.

Nick

 

Skilters are junk IMO!
Just go with a regular glass or acrylic tank!!! Nothing fancy and set it up under your 40. I have a 20gallon long tank set -up under my 125 as a sump! It is working fine and has given me no problems and was very inexpensive to allow me to spend more on my AquaC EV180 skimmer!
Shop around but you really don't have to be fancy with a sump especially since you aren't going to see it or the equipment in it.
The same holds true for a refugium!!!

 

Don't waste your money on Skilters or Prizm skimmers. Look at the AquaC Remora or Bak Pak 2. Check eBay. You don't want to skimp on your skimmer.

 

Good luck with your new sump/fuge. There's a ton of info here on the site regarding them, including my own experiences.
I'm now running my AquaC Remora in my sump. Great skimmer and amazing customer service should you ever need anything. The Remora is their hang-on-back model. I believe the Urchin is their in-sump model, though the Remora can be used in a sump (it just takes some doin').

Welcome to proteinskimmer.com! The official web site for AquaC marine aquarium products...

HTH

 

I second the remora, i myself have a AquaC ev180, and i love it,i love its performance!!!!

 

If your looking to save money, look at the corallife needlewheel superskimmers. www.petsolutions.com has the 125 version on sale for $115. There is a smaller version but I would stickk with the 125 incase you decide to upgrade later. And besides, skimmer capacities are always over rated.
I'm a fan of the remora skimmers but they may be out of your price range. Figure about $170 for the remora and $220 for the remora pro. The benefit of these are that they are virtually fool proof, wont overflow and simple to use. They just need a regular cleaning.

 

Thanks guys,

I also have another slight problem. My 40 gal tank isn't drilled so I was looking at switching tanks because I don't like how the hang on overflows can cause the tank to overflow if something goes wrong. I don't want any chance of having my tank spill over but at the same time I'll have to move everything out of my tank and replace it with another 40 gal drilled. Although I have seen some over flow units with a hole in the top of it so you can put an aqua lifter pump thing on it so it sucks out any air that gets in there.

Any input guys?

Nick

 

i use a n aqualifter for my auto-top off and have considered putting one on the U-tube of my overflow. i just recently set up my sump and having the overflow box and my 2 returns as the only things in my tank is great...
good luck!

 

I use a CPR overflow on my FOWLR tank and use an aqualifter pump as well along with a float switch in my sump to cut off the return pump if the water level gets too low. This will prevent overflow. The same problem can occur with a drilled tank if the return pump quits and your sump is not large enough.