HOB Skimmer Question

[wicked_chicken]

Hello, fellow reefers!

I've got a 15g column nano which I'm trying to get coral ready. My next major purchase for the tank is a skimmer. Currently, I've got a woefully underpowered HOB filter running, which I want to replace with the skimmer.

I have been eyeballing the Aquamaxx HOB 1.5 and the RO HOB Classic 100. I have heard that of these two, the HOB 1.5 is more desireable, and I generally agree. However, the RO has a build in surface skimmer, which I also find desirable.

Which should I consider? Is it possible to operate the HOB 1.5 intake inside an overflow box?

 

[AGdent07]

I've got a HOB skimmer that I used on my quarantine tank for sale if you'd like. I used an AquaC remora nano skimmer. Let me know if interested

 

[zooman72]

Hello, fellow reefers!

I've got a 15g column nano which I'm trying to get coral ready. My next major purchase for the tank is a skimmer. Currently, I've got a woefully underpowered HOB filter running, which I want to replace with the skimmer.

I have been eyeballing the Aquamaxx HOB 1.5 and the RO HOB Classic 100. I have heard that of these two, the HOB 1.5 is more desireable, and I generally agree. However, the RO has a build in surface skimmer, which I also find desirable.

Which should I consider? Is it possible to operate the HOB 1.5 intake inside an overflow box?

I have had a 15g column tank as a reef aquarium, and only kept a few fish in it (2-4 of a smaller species). Not sure that you would need skimmers that large for a smaller aquarium like the one you are going to run unless you have it quite full of both fish and corals, or feed a lot. I sumped mine, and ran three different skimmers in it over the 3 years it was up: Eshopps Nano, Tunze 9001, and AquaticLife 115. None of them had any issues keeping up.

You might want to possibly consider a smaller HOB like the BubbleMagus QQ1 or QQ2 - I am using the QQ1 on an 9g jawfish aquarium and it is quite nicely built and functional (plus quiet) for the size I needed. I am also running a pair of AquaClear 20's (one with PhosGuard, the other with carbon) that break up surface "scum" quite well - maybe pair the HOB with an AquaClear for example so that you do not have to worry about an overflow...

 

[wicked_chicken]

If you don't mind me asking, how did you sump it? Which model 15 column did you use? I think mine is the 15g column from Aqueon? It is not ideal as a reef tank, but it fits our space nicely.

 

[zooman72]

Yup, I used (and still have) the Aqueon column aquarium, and it is challenging to use as a reef, which is what drew me to it (also had one back in college over 20 years ago as a freshwater angelfish tank).

I used an Eshopps hang-on-back overflow (you could also grab an overflow kit and drill it), and a 5g cube that I put one baffle in (in the center) for the sump, and also used a CPR sock holder, so just a sock, skimmer, heater and return. Had no issues with it, but it was cramped in the sump, and the rock layout meant I couldn't keep as much coral as I wanted to in the aquarium.

If you do a Google image search for "column reef aquarium" you will get some good examples you can draw from for aquascaping and livestock ideas. I still have mine (broken down and dry), even though I briefly put it up for sale last year (got no takers locally), and may try it again in the future just for the challenge...

Good luck with yours!

 

[wicked_chicken]

Any chance you can link me to the 5g cube? Does it fit in the stand?

 

[zooman72]

I used a Fluval Chi kit I picked up at PetSmart on sale/ clearance for 50% off as it was readily available to me locally and inexpensive (plus was a little taller than a standard cube at 10"x10"x14"), and yes, it did/ does fit in the stand.

Any 10" cube will fit (12" cubes will not), but the Chi is taller, allowing for greater volume and overfill protection when the return pump is shut off. I would probably look into purchasing just the Chi tank ($45.53 on Amazon).