skimmer question

[jasonr803]

quick question. right now I have a hob penguin 150 and wondering if I should invest in a skimmer (hob, don't have room under or sump)? was looking at a reef octopus bh100 and just wondering how much I will actually benefit because it would leave me no room at all with the filter in the back once it's added

 

[Dustin1300]

With a reef or even a FOWLR tank you'll benefit. I don't know much about the BH100 but know that the newer SRO HOBs are really good and ahve the bubble blaster integrated.http://premiumaquatics.com/aquatic-supplies/CV-SRO-LX1000S.html

What's your tanks size and what is the long term goal of your tank? (SPS, heavy fish stocking, etc?) You'll find not skimping on skimmer will save you money in the long run so you don't have to buy another one when current one does not keep up!

 

[Jandree22]

a penguin power filter and a skimmer are two entirely different pieces of equipment. a penguin will filter out mechanically the visible particles (via the floss/pad) and chemically the inorganic wastes (carbon). A skimmer removes the organic wastes (dissolved fish poop) before the nitrogen cycle breaks them down into toxic nitrates. given the choice, you want a skimmer over the penguin. the bh100 from my understanding is a decent hob skimmer. skimmers also provide a lot of beneficial gas exchange (co2 -> o2).

 

[jasonr803]

it's a 30 gallon long tank (36"). currently with the penguin 150, hydor 750 and maxijet 600, and a fluval 150w heater. so if I were to invest in the skimmer down the road, I could just do away with the penguin or still keep both. goals for the tank right now are a couple fish with some lps and softies. I'm new to the SW game so really learning as I go despite all of the reading and researching I've done