Protein skimmer selection

[jordon.l]

Hi I'm in the process of getting all my equipment for my planned reef tank I already have:
Aqua one heater 300w
2x sunsun 2500 lph powerheads
Api reef master test kit
Api saltwater marine master test kit
Refractometer
Digital thermometer
Hpled blue planet lighting
Built in filter(will be changing the filter media)
And my tank is a 220l (58g)blue planet orient with hpled
Ok so my question is what protein skimmer will fit in my tank. Because I have a hood it make it a bit hard to choose a protein skimmer that will fit.

that is my tank and the area that I'm thinking of most likely putting a skimmer but does anyone know what skimmer and where to buy from online or in perth area any help would be good. I'm going to be putting corals like torch hammer star polyps and some others in the tank and fish like clownfish, yellow tang, green/blue cromis and some others. Would my setup be good for what I want?any advice would be helpful.
Also does anyone know a website that sells dry rock that ships to Australia?
Thanks

 

[Dkuhlmann]

Since you are in the setup process I'd highly suggest that you go with a sump for biological filtration instead of the mechanical. Mechanical are nitrate traps and you'll constantly be cleaning it out.

Skimmer depends on how you end up going but always get a higher volume skimmer than what you actually have as far as total water is concerned. Lets say you have a 40 gal aquarium and a 20 gal sump total possible water is 60 gal which you will never have since you will have sand and rock but a 75 gal skimmer would be fine for this example. Sure a 50-60 would work but the increased volume IMO is better but not too overkill.

 

[jordon.l]

I would go with a sump but underneath in my cabinet it is divided into 4 sections (shelves) and I don't really want to remove the shelving because it is probably for support and may collapse. I think my rock and filter will be enough biological filtration because my filter has bio balls, noodles and carbon with wool and I know what size protein skimmer to get just stuck on choosing one to fit my system
Thanks for the advice

 

[ericarenee]

Go here and pick what ever you can fit in that area.. Prob a hang on back skimmer would be best...

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/protein-skimmers/hang-on-skimmers.html?cat=291&skmr_tank_rating=556

These people only Sell the Top brands that have been tried and Tested.. I just wish you would have Done some Research before buying a all in one type tank... Ditch the Bio Ball s no matter what..

 

[Dkuhlmann]

Those bio balls are also a nitrate trap, most people don't use them anymore. Yes a HOB skimmer would work well for you. Here is the one that I have

http://www.marineandreef.com/CPR_Ba...2ixY1rVFJyiASG1q3LOc44VHDxM5OKp72VBoC8Snw_wcB

 

[Sgt Jonny Cat]

Get a sump and get rid of the API test kits. They stink. I prefer Red Sea. Also, I use an Eshopps hang on back skimmer. works very well.

 

[ericarenee]

Those bio balls are also a nitrate trap, most people don't use them anymore. Yes a HOB skimmer would work well for you. Here is the one that I have

http://www.marineandreef.com/CPR_Ba...2ixY1rVFJyiASG1q3LOc44VHDxM5OKp72VBoC8Snw_wcB

im thinking about setting up a small invert only tank and running it with something like this only.

But here is what is on my Reef tank
http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/skimz-monzter-sm201-internal-protein-skimmer.html
This thing is Amazing

 

[jordon.l]

Thanks for your replys and yes I'm getting rid of the bio balls. Also bulk reef supply don't ship to Australia unfortunately. i was going to get lots of things from there and what I am try to say it that a hang on protein skimmer may not fit because my tank has a hood that is un removable. (in the photos)
http://thereefshop.com.au/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=324
Was thinking this one may fit well any thoughts?

 

[jordon.l]

Get a sump and get rid of the API test kits. They stink. I prefer Red Sea. Also, I use an Eshopps hang on back skimmer. works very well.

I would get a sump but underneath my tank in my cabinet is too small because it has shelving as I said in the previous reply and I can't fit a hang on protein skimmer because of my hood. I have had the Api test kits before and didn't mind them thanks for ur reply

 

[Dkuhlmann]

Thanks for your replys and yes I'm getting rid of the bio balls. Also bulk reef supply don't ship to Australia unfortunately. i was going to get lots of things from there and what I am try to say it that a hang on protein skimmer may not fit because my tank has a hood that is un removable. (in the photos)
http://thereefshop.com.au/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=324
Was thinking this one may fit well any thoughts?

That's why you need a HOB (hang on back) skimmer like the one in this video and the one that I have. It won't interfere with your top as it's all external.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmxGE2ImBrw

 

[jordon.l]

But will that fit here?

And here is a photo of my cabinet

 

[Dkuhlmann]

I think it would but you have to check the dimensions of the BakPak2 single column and your tank

http://www.marineandreef.com/CPR_Bak_Pak_2_Protein_Skimmer_Dual_2R_BakPak_SR2_SR3_s/561.htm

 

[Shawn O]

A dremel tool will make it fit if you put the effort into making it fit. Also, removing the shelf on one side will give you enough room for a small sump. You could get really creative and use a dual sump setup by putting a small tank in each side of the cabinet and connecting them with large bulkheads through holes cut into the support divider.

 

[jordon.l]

Yeh a dremel is a good idea and that what I was thinking about the dual sump I might do one similar to this one
It would be pretty confusing tho but I might research more about sumps since I don't know much about them because I was never planning on having one thanks for the thoughts