Best Protein Skimmer

[Pandion]

Ok guys, I'm new to this and am currenty setting up a 20 gallon tank with two clowns and soft coral. I am currently running a Oceanic Biocube protein skimmer. For $35 bucks I can't complain, since it does produce a pee colored liquid with little organic clumps in it every 2-3 days. It works well enough since I do bi weekly water changes and am upgrading to a more powerfull canister filter in te next few days. However, I'd like to have something more reliable and efficient, and have been looking at the Remora Nano. However 140 dollars is quite a bit of money and I'd like to get some third party opinions before investing in something like that.

SO, which is your favorite for a small tank and why?

Thanks
Charlie

 

[lucas73]

Personally I would just perform weekly water changes instead of bi weekly.JMO

 

[lucas73]

I run my 29gal Biocube without a skimmer.I have a light bioload just a pair of Clown's and perform a 5 gallon change weekly and everything is fine.

If your set on a skimmer check out the Aquamaxx HOB 1.

 

[Pandion]

I'd really like to have the skimmer for two reasons:

1) I'm horribly forgetfully and any saftey margin is appreciated

and

2) I'm going to head off to College in the fall and this tank will be maintained by my parents for half the year. The less water changes for them the better.

I had considered just doing weekly water changes, but decieded against it. I'll look up the Aquamaxx HOB 1.

Thanks for the Replies and Keep em coming!

 

[agruetz]

I have been looking/considering a skimmer on my new tank build as well. Interested to hear what others have used. The Aquamaxx HOB 1 was on my list of skimmers to check out and consider though.

 

[kokxy]

won't be disappointed with Aquamaxx skimmer if you go this route. Does great job, barely hear that its on. great customer service as well. Pulls out some great skimmate.

 

[Pandion]

I like the look and idea of the Aquamaxx, however it seems like overkill. My major problem is the size. At 17" tall it is WAY taller than my lowely 20. It's also rated for a 50-100. Thanks for the suggestion, however I think i'll stear clear of them. If I had a 30 I'd probably get it.

Anyone else have any suggestion?

 

[hockieplaya15]

I use the Hydor Koralia Nano Internal Protein Skimmer and it works great i love it

 

[KafudaFish]

You could probably DIY a better skimmer for around $100 or get a used tunze than use a remora.


You said you got weak tea with your current one so it maybe doing the job.

 

[Pandion]

I really like the look of those Tunzes and the hydor. Originally I wanted HOB becuase I had a lid. However I discovered the lid really hurt the amount of light that made it to the rocks. So I only use half the lid now, so an internal skimmer is just as viable now.

I don't really want to build one. The reason I got the Oceanic was it was on sale for 35 dollars, cheaper than the materials to build my own counter current unit. Is there a way I could build a venturi unit or something similar?

As usual thanks for the help!

 

[TundraGuy]

Dude your not going to beat the price your getting a skimmer and a fuge for as much as a small canister. Just paint the back of the tank black with spray paint. That’s just a good idea to do. Slap this on your tank and let her rip. Go to HD and get a par 38 led (5400k) for light and your done. Larger water volume, larger bio diversity (with the macro), free food (pods), a small skimmer, a place to put your heater so its not in the tank, and a portage in a pear tree. Heres a link: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Refugium-Pr...052?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item19c9db68e4 he also carries larger models that will fit on your tank.

 

[Pandion]

I REALLY wanted to add a refugium BUT I don't have the space... The tanks ontop of my dresser. I just have enough room for everything as is. If I got an aquarium stand (which I've considered) I'd totally add a 10 gallon fuge, but that won't be happening anytime soon. It's a great idea, just not for me at the moment. Probably should have posted pics of the tank to help out with this... At the moment I'm going to stick with the Oceanic though. I just put a new air "stone" in it and it seems to be skimming better. I'll update you guys if I try anything different.

 

[TundraGuy]

Lol dude did you look at the link I posted? It hangs on the back of the tank. if your dresser is to close to the wall just move it out a couple inches. The item I posted for you has a skimmer and fuge. Check it out I think you can make it work.

 

[Pandion]

Yes I did. I already have the filter, and as such it's now too late for that. Ya learn as you go. I really like the filter too.... super powerfull. I'm going to look into the hydor for now if the oceanic doesn't start work better. However, I may empty out a 5 gallon chi that is holding a bamboo shrimp and some guppies and try and make that into a refugium. I'll see....Thanks for the help though. I like that setup, and it's something I'll keep in mind for the future.

 

[slowwrx137]

I had the biocube skimmer also and it sucked for me. I could never get it to work properly no matter how much I adjusted it. So I just relied on weekly water changes.

I just recently picked up a used Tunze 9002 nano for about 1/2 the price new and I couldn't be happier with it. I would definitely recommend it.