What Canister Filter, surface skimmer, protien skimmer do you all recommend?

Hello

I am new to 3reef. I have introduced myself and now I am ready for the 1st question and the great replies. I am going to be setting up a 20 gal. Oceanic aquarium. I have looked at many sites on line and I have looked at filter systems and skimmers until I am bugged eyed. From what I can tell most people like Fluval, or Eheim, Corrallife, etc. Which canister system do you all recommend? My local shop told me that a Fluval 205 would do a very nice job with the 20 gal, but if I went with a 405 it would do even better because of the two more compartments. He does not carry Eheim so he did not know that much about it. Let me know what you all think! Do you think that a big Fluval 405, or a big Eheim would be overkill on a 20 gal. tank? Should I go with a surface skimmer, or protein skimmer? I see that Fluval has a surface skimmer that attaches to the canister filter. I was thinking about starting with a surface skimmer and later when more money is available changing to a protein skimmer. What do you all think about the Corallife protein skimmer? Is it a good one, bad one, or is it overkill for a 20 gal. tank?
Thanks in advance for the replies and advice. It is greatly appreciated.

Gus Gonzalez8)

 

I have the 305 on my 55. And it actually puts out quite a bit of flow, so I would think the 405 on a 20 would be way to much flow. You can adjust the flow on the fluvals, but I don't like restricting the flow. Think it puts more of a strain on the motor. As for skimmers if your going HOB I would go with either the Octopus or Remora. I have an Octopus and it works great, and have heard a lot of good things about the Remora too.

 

Thanks for the reply! What is HOB? I will look into the Octopus, and Remora. Thanks again.

Gus Gonzalez

 

If your just starting up your tank you could wait a little for the skimmer.When a tank is cycling a skimmer may slow down the process.When you do need one,I would check out ebay.You can find some good ones for sale there almost all the time,just be sure to research before you buy as theres also a lot of junk out there.This site is a good place for that.As far as filters go,most people dont reccomend cannister filters for reef tanks,if reef is whet your planning.Most will reccomend a sump with skimmer and live rock,and powerheads to add circulation.I personnaly do use a Fluval 305 for my 44gal. reef along with ahang on back skimmer as I have no sump,and it works very well for me.

 

HOB = Hang On Back(of the tank) Versus the kind you put in your sump.

 

Thanks for the HOB explanation. It much easier when know the acronyms

Gus Gonzalez

 

Hi Sailorguy,

Thanks for the information. I see that you have a 305 on a 44 gal, so I am sure that a 305 on my 20 gal. will do just fine.

Thanks again.

Gus Gonzalez

 

Oceanic tank a biocube or standard 20 gallon? I have used eheim and the fluval both are good cannisters. I would look to see if you can get the new fluval (not sure if it is out yet) but it actually takes some water measurements with a digital display and is very small in comparison. +1 to waiting on skimmer, it can slow down your cycle.

Good luck!

 

Hello Kelly11,

It is a 20 high instead of the 20 long. Just your basic glass tank. I hope to have it up and running for Christmas. I will hold off on the skimmer until the cycle is complete.

Thanks for your reply and information.
Gus Gonzalez