Skimmer for the nano?

[ryan_]

Im setting up the 26g with a 20g sump/fuge. It is going to be a dedicated tank for the picasso percs. I wont be putting much, if any sps in. The corals will be primarily softies and lps. Wont have a huge bio load. Im looking at getting the asm mini g. It will be my first asm skimmer. I have had lifereef, euroreef, aqua-c, reef octopus, and the cheap-o's. Anyone out there have the mini g or had one in the past? Just trying to get a little feed back on it. Thanks in advance.

BTW the stand build is now started. I should be getting wet by next weekend!!!!!WooHooo

 

[zooman72]

I considered going with the mini-G, but decided to go with the Tunze 9002 - simpler to set up and just as efficient if not more, plus it takes up less room. I have not personally used the mini-G, but I have seen it in use - that is why I went with the Tunze. Hopefully whatever you use works well for you. I also have 20L sumps on my 29g and 20L nanos - good choice!

 

[Johnny C]

I owned a Mini-G for a very short time before the pump broke; apparently it's very common with that specific model. What's your budget?

 

[ryan_]

budget for the skimmer is around 200 or less. which should leave most skimmers of this size in range.

I'll look into the tunze, zooman.

 

[block head]

remora nano on the 28. i don't honestly think it makes a big difference . heat from the pump, and space taken will most likely have a bigger effect overall.

 

[ryan_]

Ive had the remora and the urchin. Didnt really like either of them. Too noisy and adjusting all the time was a PITA.

 

[block head]

i hear ya. with what your planning you could get away without a skimmer. i'd pick up something afforable , it's really just going to provide aeration and negligible amount of skimate. an airstone driven model would most likely work better. with nano's it's really more about appearance, than true performance

 

[Johnny C]

If you have room in-sump, I think there are better options than the ASM/Tunze/Remora. The BM NAC-3 is great, especially for the price. I used it for awhile and now ToddMH does. An Octo NW-110 would work great, too.

 

[toddmh]

I agree that BM NAC-3 is the best skimmer you can find with the small footprint it has..Well best bang for the buck anyway..

I just sold my set up yesterday with the NAC-3 though..

 

[ryan_]

thats a tiny footprint! I would go without a skimmer, but the center piece is going to be a rbta and as most of you know, nems are all about water quality.

 

[toddmh]

thats a tiny footprint! I would go without a skimmer, but the center piece is going to be a rbta and as most of you know, nems are all about water quality.

My NAC-3 worked really well with a 60 cube with a really heavy bio-load..Mine also hadf a large rtba with clowns and much more corals and fish

 

[ryan_]

well with BM's reputation and that small footprint, it's definitely a contender. 150 aint too bad either.

 

[block head]

http://www.nano-reef.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=254991 don't own one but.... others have problems with noise,breakage, and finicky perfomance. nano skimmers aren't there yet. a simple water change will blow away any skimmer made. it's fun to have to cool skimmers. please don't be fooled into thinking you need one. nano's small volume make lg water changes practical and affordable. thousands of breeders keep nems and percs without skimmers.

 

[Johnny C]

Every product will have good/bad reviews- my (limited) experience was great. I have owned several 'nano' skimmers and (with the exception of the Remora) they have always pulled a ton of skimmate so I can't argue with results. With that being said, I agree that you'll be okay without a protein skimmer, but that also depends on how often you perform maintenance- I would be more concerned about the 'nem roaming in a small aquarium. JMO!

 

[toddmh]

heres a pic of the one I had when it was in action..

 

[der_wille_zur_macht]

What's your planned water change schedule like? On a 26g with light bioload and undemanding corals I would probably go skimmerless and change water every week. Put a ball of chaeto in the sump if you're really nervous about nutrients building up.

 

[ryan_]

Ive ran 2 nanos without skimmers before. I am planning a skimmer because I run a landscaping business and am starting school next week. This spring is going to be crazy and I don't know how faithfully I can stick to my maintenance routine. Heck I ran my 120g without a skimmer for a month once.

As far as the nem moving, so far with the ones Ive had, Ive been lucky. Ive had a rbta in two nanos and what I do is put them in first (aside from some acans or a couple zoos maybe). Since its a bunch of empty rock, they have the opportunity to settle in without causing me to have a brain aneurysm.