50 gallon Reef what skimmer to use

[Jake]

With my upper level price range @ about $200 what would you suggest for a protein skimmer. Important that it be effective and easy to use and setup and also that is run well without constant adjustment once broken in. I am considering the CPR BakPak, Aqua C HOB and HOB pro, Turbo flotor, and Super Reef Devil. What do you think will be the best fit. I have a prefilter and a 15 gallon to use as a sump but If a HOB will wirk just as well I would like to use the sump as a refugium or not at all and avoid the expense of a return pump.
Thanks for your time
Jake
P.S. What would you request for a return pump. $70 or less.
Thanks again.

 

[jasonfrey]

Hi Jake,

I think if you want hang-on skimmers, i would recommend the AquaC Remora for a 50gallon. I think it's big enough to handle a 50 gallon reef, especially if you are going for a mixed reef. If you think you'l concentrate on sps corals, then going with the pro is a good idea, but the smaller one does really well and a much smaller powerhead in your tank.

If you decide to setup a sump, i would lean more toward the AquaC Urchin or Urchin Pro, or the Super Reef Devil. I'm not a big fan of the Turbo skimmer, although it does do a good job, it's a little complicated to install. The AquaC would be the easiest skimmer to use. I have a Super Reef Devil running on my 37 gallon right now and it skims great, i think it would outperform the smaller AquaC, but the AquaC Pro would probably outskim the super reef devil.

Choosing between hang-on and sump is a tough call. Having a sump lets you skim the top of the water very easily and creates more oxygen in the system, i think most sump systems seem a little more healthy then hang-on systems. The extra expensive and hassle of messing with the sump can be a drawback though.

If you do go with a sump, i think a Mag7 water pump would be just right for your return, or if you want to really blast the water, a SEN700 pump. If you haven't already bought your tank, i would get a predrilled tank if you decide to go with a sump, no overflow to mess with and can push the tank against the wall if you want.

jason

 

[Tadashi]

If you want the Remora get the Remora Pro. Then you can always use it on a bigger tank or if you get a large bio-load.

Cons:
- Very difficult to clean, hard to reach places
- must move the collection cup to access return section (for heaters, probes, etc)
- return is right next to the intake pump (modify my design to move pump away from return)
- noisey (unless you mod)
- collection cup held in by vice screw, difficult to set exactly like before removed (I had to draw lines on the cup with a pen)
- smoke acrylic makes it difficult to see inside skimmer (bubble size, bubble density, etc) - large sponge and fan worm growth

Pros:
- very strong skimmer
- quiet if you change the pump
- very little accessories need to mod (no venturi so most powerheads will do with little mods)
- smoke acrylic prevents algae

I also did a review of the CPR at http://www.geocities.com/ktchinn/skimmer.html

I like the design of the CPR but prefer the skimming ability of the Remora. So it is a toss up. Right now I have my Remora on my 55-gal and use my CPR as a backup.