Which Skimmer for Me?

[MechEng99]

Hello!

I have a 40g reef tank with softies and mainly LPS with a couple of random SPS. No fish, but I do plan for a couple down the road.

I have only a 10g sump, so I think I need a rather smaller skimmer or a HOB.

What do you think is best for this situation...given a budget of around $150 (less is better), and where do you recommend to go?

Thanks!

 

[reef165]

eventhough youve only got a 40 gal tank, i think you should shoot for a skimmer rated for at least 150 gal, youll thank me later, most skimmers rated for anything less arnt worth detrious!!

 

[kodyboy]

DAS ex1 for in sump (or tunze 9010) both are not cheap, but good
you could also get by with a tunze 9002, smaller but more than enough for your volume.
D&D marine typhoon for HOB or bermuda rogue wave if you can afford it . The typhoon is actually a pretty good, well built skimmer, especially for its price.

 

[shilo_1]

For that price, the CPR Bakpak is a fairly efficient skimmer. So is the Remora pro, but I couldn't get it to fit under the stand (too tall.)

 

[MechEng99]

Hm, y'all definitely mentioned some I haven't looked into yet. I was originally looking at the Tunze 9002. I've heard good things about that and the DAS...I've heard debating things about the Remoras.

As far as getting a higher rated skimmer, I'm not sure if I could afford that/get it to fit under my tank.

I've done most of my business with Drs. Foster & Smith. Any other recommendations for buying a skimmer?

Thanks again!

 

[shilo_1]

Look in the for sale forum. You will find lots of great skimmers for A LOT cheaper than buying new !

 

[kodyboy]

I second the selling forum, good stuff for lower prices

 

[aninjaatemyshoe]

If space is a big issue, you're probably best off going with the Tunzes. Get the best one you can afford/find for a good price.

 

[MechEng99]

Thanks everyone!

Hmmm...now if I can just be quick enough to catch something on the Selling forum before it gets sold...:gets finger ready to hit the refresh button:

 

[shilo_1]

Keep an eye on ebay too. Sometimes you can find bargains there, although few and far between on the reef stuff.