Skimmer for 50g Breeder

[Nereaga]

Well, I am looking into a hang on skimmer for my new 50g breeder setup. I am downgrading from my 75g....

I have in the past used a Aqua C Remora on a 55g reef and it did OK. I'd rather not go that route... Anything else out there worth looking into?

I see Octopus has a few Hang ons, I liked their insump NW's. I also see that Warner Marine has a nice blue one aswell..

Oh it will be stocked with 2 fish, a Atlantic Pygmy Angel and a Cinnamon Clown. Mixed reef aswell....

Any suggestions?

Thanks

[Nereaga]

Anyone?

[stanlalee]

you pretty named them all to consider except the deltec MCE600 if you want to spend that much. otherwise the octopus BH2000, 800s or warner marine HX2 if its shipping yet are all viable options. probably got better response in the equipment forum.

[aquaman67]

I'm upgrading my 29 to a Oceanic 50 gallon and keeping my Remora.

Have you ever made sure your Remora was level? I mean actually put a level on it and not just eyeball it?

I used the Remora for years, like you said, it did ok. Then one day I was playing with a 2 million candle power spotlight and used it to look at the side of my Remora. The water from the injection was not shooting straight down. I used a small plastic level to make sure it actually was level. (I was way off by sight)

After it was level it works much, much better. Just a thought.

SIDENOTE:

What are the dimensions for a 50 breeder? I've seen 40 breeders, but never heard of a 50...

[Nereaga]

I used a Remora about a year ago and sold it when I upgraded to my 75g. It worked ok like I said, but it was level on all sides, I used a small level.

I like the design of the Octopus as the pumps are on the outside of the unit and not in the tank....

A 50g breeder is 36''L x 18'' D x 18'' H, 2'' higher than the 40g. Also a price difference of $50....

Thanks

[E.intheC]

They're just taller than a 40 breeder. There's actually a 30 that is shorter than the 30.

I think you should try to get a sump going... pretty easy to setup under a 50 gallon breeder tank. That will give you many more options for skimmers.

[Nereaga]

Well I am trying to cut down on running costs and overall maintenance. I have my first child coming in May and won't have much extra time on my hands as I once did....

[DaveG99]

You can add a 10 gallon sump for little money and it wont require any extra maintenance. I am about to add a 10 gallon sump to my 40 gallon. The most expensive part is the overflow box. I ordered a eshoppes over flow for $49 shipped. The 10 gallon tank is very cheap and the acrylic for the baffles is cheap also. You can click on my little red and look at my build thread. I will add the sump part of the thread probably this week sometime. I am going to be using a Reef Octopus NW 110 for my tank. The skimemr is $150 and it is high quality and works well.

[notabun]

Wow, no one mentioned the CPR Bakpak? Its a solid choice and my old one still works fine.

[aquaman67]

I'm finding the lighting choices for a 30" long tank is limited, in the T-5 area anyway.

Good luck and finding a skimmer and post here if you find something that works well for you.

[Nereaga]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14123474#post14123474 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by DaveG99
You can add a 10 gallon sump for little money and it wont require any extra maintenance. I am about to add a 10 gallon sump to my 40 gallon. The most expensive part is the overflow box. I ordered a eshoppes over flow for $49 shipped. The 10 gallon tank is very cheap and the acrylic for the baffles is cheap also. You can click on my little red and look at my build thread. I will add the sump part of the thread probably this week sometime. I am going to be using a Reef Octopus NW 110 for my tank. The skimemr is $150 and it is high quality and works well.

I had an overflow box on my 75g and truthfully don't like them. They are noisy(running water sound) and I never stopped thinking about something going wrong when I was away. This tank will be silent since it will be in or living room and I will sleep well on vacation! :) I also made my 20g long sump the same way you did. I just sold my Octopus NW150 to fund this tank build.

If I ever do another sump my tank will be drilled for sure.

Thanks for your input Dave!

OK so here are the choices:

Octopus BH2000- $169
Aqua C Remora - $179
CPR BakPak2 -$129

[Nereaga]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14123818#post14123818 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by aquaman67
I'm finding the lighting choices for a 30" long tank is limited, in the T-5 area anyway.

Good luck and finding a skimmer and post here if you find something that works well for you.

Thanks bud! I appreciate your input in this thread!

I'll post up whatever I get then....

[enzo12]

my remora pro w/ mag 3 does very well on my 65. I got it used and saved a lot.

[E.intheC]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14123753#post14123753 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by notabun
Wow, no one mentioned the CPR Bakpak? Its a solid choice and my old one still works fine.

I like this skimmer as well. I modded it by adding an air pump, but I'm not sure its' always necessary. You should look into the sapphire aquatics brand as well.. I've heard very good things about the skimmer

[Nereaga]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14124231#post14124231 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by enzo12
my remora pro w/ mag 3 does very well on my 65. I got it used and saved a lot.

I'd rather not have a mag 3 in that size of a tank. Id rather look for a skimmer that has a external skimmer.

[E.intheC]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14126355#post14126355 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Nereaga
I'd rather not have a mag 3 in that size of a tank. Id rather look for a skimmer that has a external skimmer.

..the actual skimmer is external on this.. the pump sits inside the tank, if that's what you meant.

most hang on back skimmers have at least the pump sitting on the inside.
You could go with a regular bakpak or a remora (the non-pro version has a mj 1200 power head, so it's not that big)

[saltwater4life1]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14126355#post14126355 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Nereaga
I'd rather not have a mag 3 in that size of a tank. Id rather look for a skimmer that has a external skimmer.
That's exactly how i felt with my 55gal, That's why i went with the octopus BH2000. No big pump inside the tank... Just inlet and outlet. Sorry i can't say anything about the 2000 as i haven't gotten mine yet...
Good luck though!

~Nick

[ataller]

+1 the MCE600, expensive yes, but no pump in the tank, and it is an amazing skimmer.

If you look around you can usually find them used, making them much more affordable.

[DaveG99]

and congrats on the kiddo. I will be having a baby girl in April. My first child also!

[Nereaga]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14130894#post14130894 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by DaveG99
and congrats on the kiddo. I will be having a baby girl in April. My first child also!

Thank you bud! Congrats to you aswell! I am really looking forward to it, I can't wait!

I think I might go with either the Octopus BH2000 or the new Warner Marine H1. I also found a used C&C Marine hang on here, might get that.

[DaveG99]

the octopus skimmers are great