Opinions on H.O. Skimmers

[Flasher Wrasse]

This thread isnt about whether a sump is better than doing a H.O. skimmer. I am wondering which would be the best H.O. skimmer to buy for a 54g tank. CPR BAKPAK Or a Berlin or Percision Marine H.O.?
Thanks

 

[pili]

By far, the best HOB skimmer is the Deltec MCE600 but it has a pretty hefty price tag.

http://www.deltecusa.us/proteinskimmers/mce600.php

I know alot of people dont like Berlin skimmers and i havent heard much about the PM skimmers but they it seems not bad by just looking at the design.

 

[Flasher Wrasse]

that is alittle on the expensive side for what my plans are. I am planning on maybe 4 small fish. Anyone have any thoughts on any other skimmers?

 

[aural]

I'd get the Remora. best simmer for the money.
http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem.asp?idproduct=ACRDM
(there is a pro model too.... if you want some added skimming power)

 

[Mishap]

I use the Coralife Super Skimmer 65 on my 30g and my friend uses the same on his 55. Both of us have had great results and love the super skimmer.

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=13924&inm=1&N=2004+113771+2035

 

[stilltryn]

just the thread i was looking for. i am also looking for a new h.o. skimmer (a cheap one) and was told the typhoon was the way to go. good luck. there is a lot to choose from

 

[sean48183]

I've got a prism pro deluxe on a 55 and it works for me. It took some fine tuning but it does an excellent job now. The surface skimmer does a pretty good job of keeping the surface clean and the overflow hole is nice to run the skimmate into a seperate container.

 

[bigtank]

I have seen the Precision Marine HOT-1...built like a combat tank with performance to match, when you consider the price is under $200. IMO this would be best if you can't afford the Deltec product...probably over 2x the price.

I used to run a Remora Pro on a 70 back in high school...it was just okay. The performance is mediocre...pretty cheesy design IME. If you do choose this brand, definitely get the Pro. IME the Mag 3 works like a charm, great pump and darn near bullet proof. Don't even bother with the Rio 1400....POS.

 

[ledford1]

If I were to buy a new HOB skimmer, I'd go for the Coralife Super Skimmers. Many former Remora owners have turned to CSS and like it better. Actually, the CSS are actually cheaper than Remoras, especially if you want one with a Mag3, so they are a nice value.

On a 54, you could probably go with the CSS65, but I'd go for the 125 - it's never bad to oversize it.

That's my $0.02.

Good luck.

 

[NCreefwannabe]

I have a cheapo excalibur skimmer... It pumps out skimmate. I payed like 50 or so for it used. I think new they are around 125.

 

[davocean]

After alot of research on several HO's, and reading the lighting and filtration forum I just got a coral life 220. couldn't be happier.
Easy to set up and adjust, pulling stuff out right away, and Quiet!
Ijust put my cpr backpack/rockcrusher tea machine on the back porch, next to my prism.
Of course Deltec is good $$
i read good remarks on remora, but heard can be hard to adjust.
check remarks for css 220 on lighting/filtration forum

 

[reefshadow]

I use a Berlin hob and for the price (used) it works pretty good. With that said though, I overdrive it with a mag 9 and clean often. I get a full collection cup about every other day.