Which skimmer to use?

[fareforce]

I need 2 skimmers. 1 for a 22 gal cube tank, and one for a 10 gal hospital tank. What is a good skimmer that wont break the bank, but is reliable, easy to setup, and doesn't require constant tuning?

[EdKruzel]

I like the CPR BakPak for small tanks, but wouldn't recommend any skimmer for a hospital tank. Hospital tanks or Quarantine Tanks are usually only up and running when necessary.

In a Hospital Tank, you will most likely be running some type of medication or be adding a slime coat enhancer; a skimmer and/or carbon would decrease the efficiency and defeat the purpose of the tank.

[jer77]

What is breaking the bank for you? Do you need a HOB skimmer?

[fareforce]

HOB would be prefered.. I would say under $200 for both skimmers..

The reason I want a skimmer for the 10 gal hospital tank is I live in a newer house, and think I might have a oxygen problem. A skimmer is a great way to put o2 in your tank! =)

[bertoni]

A couple of used BakPaks would be under $200, but I'm not sure that one would fit on a 10g very easily. The skimmer would have to hang below the tank. Same for a CoraLife, which would be my most likely choice. I keep forgetting their cost.

[fareforce]

I was looking at the tunze nano for my 22 cube.. they run about $140.. Is there a good way to inject air into my 10g for under 60? I thought of an airstone and air pump, but wouldn't the micro bobbles be bad?

[EdKruzel]

Most hospital tanks are kept with a sponge corner filter. If the house is over insulated, the problem you'll have is lower pH. If the oxygen is so low as to suffocate the system, you would experience problems way before the tank.

Gas exchange occurs at the top mm of water surface through aggitiation. By keeping the top of the water surface rippled and moving, there will be all the oxygen you desire.

The BakPak does fit a standard 10gal without extending below.

[fareforce]

Thats good to know about the bakpak.. I do have problems with low PH in that tank (there is a thread about my sleeper goby on here). My o2 levels are that last thing I can think of..