Protein skimmer ideas

[Baz2126]

I've recently set up a 30 gal tank with 10kg of live rock in for my filtration. I added marine colony to get things started and 2 Clown fish. Everything is going fine so far apart from 'scum' on top of my water, now I don't know if this is the colony or dust etc from my room. I've been told to get a canister filter to help but I'm liking the idea of a protein skimmer better, mostly due to they seem easier to maintain instead of a canister filter. Does anyone know of any good ones I could use for my tank size, I would like one that doesn't sit in the tank if possible so it doesn't take up any tank space. Help would be really appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Baz2126]

56 views on no help

56 views on no help

Thanks this forum is much help.

 

[Isaacs55]

Aqua C remora

 

[Saltwaterw]

Do you have a Sump ?

If not, you are looking at a small Hang on Back skimmer that can be outside of the tank with the exception of the inlet/outlet hoses.

 

[thegrun]

+1, you are going to need a skimmer that has an in-tank overflow to draw water off the surface of your tank, I like the AquaMaxx HOB-1 but you would also need a small overflow to draw surface water to take care of the film on the top of the tank, a skimmer alone will not solve the problem.

 

[Baz2126]

I have no sump the only problem with a HOB is that i would have to cut the lid on my tank which im not really willing to do. Thats why im thinking a canister filter could be the better option.

 

[Baz2126]

I have also been told by my LFS that a skimmer on a tank of my size isnt a must and would be better with a canister filter aslong as i keep up with the maintenance

 

[nmotz]

I use the Reef Octopus BH-1000 for my 40B and it does a great job removing the film off the surface of the water. It has a built in surface skimmer that draws in water right from the surface. It's not too noisy I don't think. My only complaint is that it's a little large. The Aquamaxx HOB XC is smaller but doesn't have the surface skimming feature.

 

[dracus]

If you're not willing to cut or remove the lid to accommodate a HOB skimmer or overflow then you don't really have any options. What are you using for circulation?

 

[Baz2126]

If you're not willing to cut or remove the lid to accommodate a HOB skimmer or overflow then you don't really have any options. What are you using for circulation?

Well tbh im wanting to get rid of the lid but that then means spending £250 on the led lighting at the same time lol and my circulation is being done by 1 jeboa rw-4 powerhead

 

[dracus]

You could try angling the powerhead up a bit to break the surface tension. It won't make your water any cleaner but it might help with the buildup on the surface. That combined with weekly water changes might be enough to hold you over until you're ready to get rid of the lid.

 

[Baz2126]

You could try angling the powerhead up a bit to break the surface tension. It won't make your water any cleaner but it might help with the buildup on the surface. That combined with weekly water changes might be enough to hold you over until you're ready to get rid of the lid.

That is exactly what i have done it just moves the scum to one side of the tank then circulates it around. Ok so if 2moro i decide to buy the lighting what is the best way to go canister or protein skimmer i just want very nice clean water without the scum sitting on top??