Skimmer suggestions

I am looking for a skimmer for a 20h tank, with a 20L sump. I would like to keep the cost below $150. The more I look around the more I get confused. HI have been looking at the new Marineland 100 model, AquaEuro 55 model, Tunze 9002, ASM mini-g,and Coralife SS65, amoung others. I needs to be an insump type. I would like to keep a mixture of corals with some of the easier sps. Does anyone have any suggestions to help me?

 

Just one thing to remember is a skimmer and lighting should be the two things you don't pinch pennies on. They can make or break a tank. Look at the Precision Marine or Aqua C.

 

this is true but to spend $200 to $300 on a skimmer that is rated for a much larger tank, when I have read many times that a skimmer on a small tank is not really needed is hard to justify.

 

Good call Otty! Most of those skimmers will be under $150, with the SS65 being the cheapest. The new Marineland is fairly new as it came out like last fall so I personally haven't heard of anyone using it. I've seen it a few times at shows but wasn't blow away by it. Aqua C always has good feed back but some people say it is a little louder than they'd like. I know a guy w/ the Tunze and he is happy and many of the guys in my club use ASM. Unfortunately w/ skimmers like other things in life people tend to have their opinions. Try to see a couple in action, ask around and see if anyone has one you can check out.

Good luck

 

thanks, but being in a small town and not knowing anyone else around with a reef tank it is hard to see any in action, that's why I am asking hear to get any feedback that I can get.

 

also , going to a local shop , their selection is limited and they are pretty set on things they have in stock trying to make a sale, but that is understandable be cause that is how they stay around

 

Try to find a reef club, even in a small town there is probably one in your state somewhere, I'd try to look into one then ask some members about theres. Honestly, I find it tough to buy something w/o seeing it in action. Its tough for me to go on recommendation alone.

 

Yeah.....for your set up, I am a mirror image of Otty in suggestions.

PM Bullet-1
AquaC EV-120

Skimming and lighting are two things you do not skimp on.

 

thanks for the suggestions but neither of those are even in the price range I am trying for

 

Watch buying those cheap skimmer as it will probably be sitting in the garage in less then a year when you find out it doesn't work right. Then you will be spending twice the money for a skimmer that works. Just speaking from experience on equipment.