Need help chosing a protein skimmer....

[Bladeslinger]

So i know there are the hang on versions and the in sump versions... Whats the difference?? And why are some $80 and others $200??? whats the difference if they are both rated for the same size tank??


I have a 46 Bowfront with a lot of live rock and once I get things right I want to add more corals when the time is right... Which model do you guys recommend??? The only room in my sump is on the end where the powerhead sits to return water back to the tank... and thats about 6x6" available...

 

[Shewillbemine]

For a simple answer--if you buy a cheap skimmer, you will soon find yourself trying to sell it (no one will buy it) and then spending more money to buy an expensive skimmer. Brand name skimmers are expensive because they are effective. The cheaper kinds will barely get you any skimmate (the yuck in the cup) or just pump a bunch of bubbles into your system. If you want to save money, buy used--there are tons for sale here.

The difference between hang-ons and in-sump are mainly preference and space. If you have a sump and have the space, in-sumps are great. Hang-ons save space because you only put the pump in the water, not the whole skimmer. Hang-ons can be used in the display tank and of course in-sump versions cannot (or should not; that would just look ugly and awkward).

Visit your LFS and window shop the skimmers that fit your space. That'll give you an idea for what will work for you.

 

[chort55]

Depending on stocking and feeding habits you may want one rated for atleast 2x your actual system size.... so rated for around 75-100g+ possibly.

 

[KRASHPD]

How is your sump setup that you only have a 6" x 6" area? Most sumps setup correctly have a protein skimmer area. With protein skimmer, like everything else in life, you get what you pay for. However, there are several skimmers on the less expensive end that will do a good job on a non-heavily stocked 46 gallon tank. Spend some time in the equipment section here to learn about different skimmers from people who own them.

 

[puffster]

What ever you do do not Buy A sea clone It's a pos I know because it happened to me. Now I'm looking for another myself. Get a decent one if you want your tank to flurish. I believe that all the trouble I've had was because the skimmer was not working properly.

 

[roneil]

i have a Urchin Pro with Rio 1400 in my sump but you will need 8"X7" space. if you have 6"X6" space you can go with Urchin with MJ 1200.

 

[Bladeslinger]

How often would I need to do water changes in order to not need a skimmer?? (46 euro w/ a lot of live rock and some soft corals and 1 LPS coral) I need to invest in a good RO/DI filter AND a skimmer..... which should come first?

 

[nikon187]

RO.. there are many nice tanks that don't use skimmers at all.. How often you wll be doing water changes depends on stocking and feeding.

 

[chatyak]

I would get RO before a skimmer. I use a lifereef skimmer myself.. happy with it. VERY low maintenance.. no screws and adjustments like other models.

 

[Michael]

a deltec hang on is a good skimmer if you have the bucks, also a lot of guys use octopus skimmers as well, im not familliar with them but theres positive feed back about them, you will need to get a skimmer which is rated at about 100 gallons for your 48, as the skimmer ratings are nearly always exaggerated

 

[Chris&Mel]

the one that I have on my 60gal is rated for 220, others may disagree here but for the price I think the Coralife super skimmer arn't bad

 

[eyesinthedrk]

i can say i dont recomend the marineland skimmer, once its dialed in properly it pulls great, but it is totally dependant on the water level it sits in so for example let say its dialed in right and you turn off the pumps to feed as the sump level raises so does the skimmers water level at best is over flows the venturi opening that will now clog with creep when it drys at worst it will flood and over flow the collection cup causing all the skimate to dump back in your tank water,

things to look for in a sump skimmer? an adjustable discharge arm to control water level in the skimmer, and a venturi hose to ensure it is ALWAYS above the water line, dont lear these the hard way like i did

 

[wbond]

I have a 46g and I use a ASM G1x and it works great. You would need to get a different sump because it will not fit your current space.