Newbie here!!!

[Scottie&hj]

Hi everyone, im new to this hobby, i have been keeping fresh water fish for quite a few years now and decided to go Salt water!

I have a 55 gallon tank, what skimmer would you suggest i get for this size tank (what make is best?)

Thank you in advance:rollface:

[Boostin S14]

Hi Scottie, and welcome!

What are you planning on keeping in the tank? If it is a Fish only with Liverock, I wouldnt say you need a skimmer IMO, but still good to have one none the less. As far as what kind to get, that is entirely up to you. You can go from anywhere between a ebay $50 no name skimmer all the way up to a nice $400 brand name skimmer. I would personally do some research on different brands of skimmers and see what you like best. Skimmers (should you chose to get one) is something that I dont feel you should skimp on for price, the higher priced ones are that way for a reason.

HTH

[stingythingy45]

<img src="/images/welcome.gif" width="500" height="62"><br><b><i><big><big>To Reef Central</b></i></big></big>
And the Hobby

If you're looking for a HOB skimmer the Aqua C Remora's are a nice package.Also there's some interesting combo units sold by CPR BaK Pak.If you can fit some kind of sump under the tank you could look into a few other models.I had a 55 gallon that was successful running with a CPR Bak Pak RR.Upgraded to a 90 gallon just this past summer.

[Scottie&hj]

Hi,

We are wanting to have a reef tank, i dont mind paying alot for a skimmer (of course) as long as it is a good one. I have been looking around for one as its the first thing that i want to purchase, just wanted to ask around. Does anyone have any website addresses that i can look at skimmers?

[ljosh]

Are you planning on having a sump?

[stingythingy45]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13636946#post13636946 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Scottie&hj
Hi,

We are wanting to have a reef tank, i dont mind paying alot for a skimmer (of course) as long as it is a good one. I have been looking around for one as its the first thing that i want to purchase, just wanted to ask around. Does anyone have any website addresses that i can look at skimmers?

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[glenns]

If you can, I suggest you purchase a sump for this tank. This will allow you more options when considering the skimmer. As for skimmers, I here ASM and Euro Reef are very good. I'm using Reef Octopus. I think they are a Chinese knock off of other two brands.

[greggnyce]

If you are going to build a reef definenatly get a sump w/ a refugium section. The skimmer should be rated for 2x your system volume.

[fordsvt04]

i love my octopus

[OceanDweller]

You may also want to rethink the 55, they are hard to aquacape and if you get into it you could have spent the money up front on a really nice tank. However, you could watch your spending and stock lightly and have a really nice 55. I think the 4ft 55 is one of the hardest tanks to find a skimmer for, most if not nearly all are temepered so you can't drill. I took a 40 breeder and ran a suction through a mag five up to the 40 breeder and had an above tank refugium/sump that worked very well for the 55 and didn't have to spend any money, just some thoughts.

[WaterKeeper]

For a sump you have lots of options. If not, the HOB skimmer are the best answer.

[Kdocimo90]

WELCOME
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[WinnipegDragon]

RS-80!

So spake your local EuroReef slappy.

[Kdocimo90]

hey scott. i sent you a pm

[crvz]

I'd recommend going with a sump if feasible, and there are a lot of quality skimmers. Honestly, you don't have to spend a ton of cash to get a good product, and the octopus line does seem to work very well for the cost. I've got a euroreef, you may consider a one of them (something in the RS135 size). If you are limited to hang-on, you're options are more limited, but you can get a decent setup.

[brodden]

I have a ER skimmer as well and really like it. I think mine is the RS 5-2 model. They definitly seem like they are worth the money.

Also, if you are planning to user a HOB overflow I would HIGHLY recommend Life Reef (www.lifereef.com). They are more expensive than a lot of other models; but they are well worth it in the long run.

[Scottie&hj]

Wow guys you have given me a lot to think about....i am still doing research at the moment so any advice will be greatly appreciated.....I already have the tank as i used to keep tropical fish a few years back, it is a 4ft 55 gal, but i was thinking of keeping the livestock to a minimum any way just start off small and then build up on it over time......?

[dkh0331]

1. Buy quality products. If you buy cheap, you'll end up burning thru the cheap crap and end up buy the quality item anyway.
2. Take all suggestions here on RC, with the exception of WaterKeeper's, with a grain of salt (pun intended)
3. Start planning now for your next tank. You're starting out with a 55 and before thats fully up and running, you'll be wanting to upgrade to a larger tank. :D

And have fun with it....