Any good HOB skimmer/mechanical filters?

[Jeremy Blaze]

So, I 'retired' from reefing in 2012. Used to be pretty deep in the hobby.

I just picked up a 35 Gallon Cube and thought it might make a great "nano" reef. My first thought was a simple HOB filter with a place for carbon and pad, and a small skimmer. There used to be a lot of companies making these ( in fact I used to) but I can't find anything, other than the Aquamaxx HF-M, of which I can't find much reviews of. Is this HOB any good? Are there others I should look at? I wish I still had my Acrylic tools, I would just build my own.

 

[griss]

So, I 'retired' from reefing in 2012. Used to be pretty deep in the hobby.

I just picked up a 35 Gallon Cube and thought it might make a great "nano" reef. My first thought was a simple HOB filter with a place for carbon and pad, and a small skimmer. There used to be a lot of companies making these ( in fact I used to) but I can't find anything, other than the Aquamaxx HF-M, of which I can't find much reviews of. Is this HOB any good? Are there others I should look at? I wish I still had my Acrylic tools, I would just build my own.

Welcome bank Jeremy. I've never been much into nano reefs and have never used HOBs so, unfortunately, I can't be much help.

 

[griss]

@JohnL Did you look into HOBs when setting up you tank at all?

 

[wvned]

I have seen many good comments on Seachem Tidal filters. I have never used one.
Tidal 55 HOB Power Filter - Seachem

 

[JohnL]

I 'retired' from reefing in 2012

Welcome back Jeremy. I have an IM Nuvo AIO 20 gallon and use their NuvoSkim-DC @griss

 

[JohnL]

I think @MtnDewMan uses an Aquamaxx hob skimmer.

 

[JohnL]

I think this is the one Chuck uses.

HOB-1.5 Hang-On-Back Protein Skimmer

The AquaMaxx HOB-1.5 is an upgraded and more-powerful version of AquaMaxx`s best-selling HOB-1. With an enlarged bubble diffusor and reaction chamber, the new HOB-1.5 is able to fully harness the power of the Shark 1.0 pump to maximize foam production and protein extraction. The custom conical...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

 

[MtnDewMan]

I think this is the one Chuck uses.

HOB-1.5 Hang-On-Back Protein Skimmer

The AquaMaxx HOB-1.5 is an upgraded and more-powerful version of AquaMaxx`s best-selling HOB-1. With an enlarged bubble diffusor and reaction chamber, the new HOB-1.5 is able to fully harness the power of the Shark 1.0 pump to maximize foam production and protein extraction. The custom conical...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

Yep, that's the one. I have been very pleased with this skimmer.

 

[OldReefGuy]

So, I 'retired' from reefing in 2012. Used to be pretty deep in the hobby.

I just picked up a 35 Gallon Cube and thought it might make a great "nano" reef. My first thought was a simple HOB filter with a place for carbon and pad, and a small skimmer. There used to be a lot of companies making these ( in fact I used to) but I can't find anything, other than the Aquamaxx HF-M, of which I can't find much reviews of. Is this HOB any good? Are there others I should look at? I wish I still had my Acrylic tools, I would just build my own.

I have HOB's
I have a free remora Pro if you want (no pump). A little noisy even after broken in. +shipping. I'm in 91344
I also have a SeaSideAquatics ES1 (Sea Side Aquatics ES1 Hang On Back Clear Protein Skimmer): Almost new. Used less then 3 weeks. $100.00 +shipping. SUPER quite!

Both might be a little overkill for your tank.....

 

[OldReefGuy]

If you want new...this is a great deal:

IceCap K3 200 HOB Protein Skimmer (OPEN BOX)

Compact HOB protein skimmer ideal for marine aquariums up to 140 gallons.K3 200HOB User Instructions - Click HereITEM IS NEW WITH DAMAGED BOX

www.coralvue.com

I have the 250 HOB version running my 120g....and very happy with it.

 

[coxreefer]

Yep, that's the one. I have been very pleased with this skimmer.

Aquamaxx 1.5 HOB skimmer work like a charm have it on my 50 gallon Lagoon AIO and fits in the smallest area because the inlet and outlets are so close had been using for over a year with no issues, just clean every 4 to 6 months. Best skimmer for HOB under 60 gallons. Great for AIO reef tanks!