Skimmer Options for 55g Reef

What are some good skimmer brands or individual good quality skimmers you would recommend for a 55g reef? My budget is about $100. :-/

-I was thinking maybe the Visi-Jet..
-What about the SeaClone or AuaqEuro?
-Any others you would recommend?

https://www.fosterandsmithaquatics.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578 4392 4400&pcatid=4400

AquaEuroUSA Nano Protein Skimmer 2 w/ Needle Wheel Pump

Visi-Jet Protein Skimmer

Thanks. All suggestions are appreciated.

 

are you looking for in-sump or hang-on-back.

I have the HOB AquaC Remora for my 55g reef, love it. Have had no issues, skims very nicely and is super easy to use/clean. If you get one get the maxi 1200 pump and don't waster your money on the pre-skimmer box either: AquaC Remora Hang-On Protein Skimmer

In reefing (and life), it's best to pay more for the better quality things first, than wish you would have after you get the cheaper equipment. Spend the extra $80-$100 now and get something really good to start with.

what's that saying "the cheap comes out expensive"

 

Well I'm looking for an in-tank if possible. I want it to go in my sump.

 

look at SWC skimmers they didn't do me wrong. I love mine for my 55gal system. They are a sponsor on the forums too.

 

got it, I'm sure other users will chime in with good suggestions

 

Cheap is never inexpensive.

Look at the Bubble Magus NAC7. Much better than what you are looking at. SWC 120 or even 160 cone is great too and not much more. SWC is better quality, but if you don't have the money, go with a NA7.

 

For $100 budget, you have very limited choice (or good choice) on new skimmer. Your best option is to find a used one on craigslist or ebay. For about $160, you can get Bubble Magus NAC6A. Bubble-Magus BM-NAC6 OR *Preorder* Bubble Magus NAC6A

 

Given your budget, I would look into Coralife SS skimmers. A lot of people aren't fans, but I ran one with no problems for quite awhile and thought it did an acceptable job. I believe the 65 gallon model is just under $100.

If you do decide to squeeze a little more into your skimmer budget, this one would be perfect for that size tank:

Xtreme 120 Cone Protein Skimmer

Review:

Elite Reef -- Denver Colorado

 

125 coralife protein skimmer

I just put a 125 corallife protein skimmer up for sale on the for sale forum if you are interested......

 

If I were doing another 55 gallon tank, I would look at the octopus line of in sump skimmers. I have run the coralife 125 and although it did it's job when it was running right, it did have some overflow issues. (skimmer cup filling up in about 5 minutes when you aren't looking) running this in sump isn't that big of an issue unless the cup is already about half full of skimmate. If that is the case, then you have just dumped a whole bunch of skimmate back into your system.