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jsncrs
08/26/2013, 06:42 PM
Hi there,

I'm new to this hobby, and in the process of setting up a 55g 4ft tank. Starting off simple, but will eventually attempt to get into corals, etc.
So far my setup consists of: 4ft tank and cabinet, Eheim 2217 canister filter, 4 x 54w 4ft T5 light fixture, 2 x 150w heaters.

I'm now trying to decide on a decent protein skimmer for my tank. I'm having a hard time deciding between HOB or an external sump skimmer. The sump skimmers look very difficult to set up, and I'd really like to avoid drilling holes in my tank.

Can someone recommend me a decent priced skimmer? And what the easiest setup would be?
James77
08/26/2013, 06:47 PM
The sump skimmers are simple, assuming you have a sump :).

There are some good hangon ones....what is your budget like?
jsncrs
08/26/2013, 06:48 PM
The sump skimmers are simple, assuming you have a sump :).

There are some good hangon ones....what is your budget like?


Is a sump hard to set up? as I said, I'd like to avoid drilling any holes in my tank, is it possible to run all lines externally? budget... around the $200 - 250 mark. I'm in Australia, everything aquarium related seems to be twice as expensive over here :\
James77
08/26/2013, 06:49 PM
I have no experience with hang on tank ones, but Eshopps is coming up a lot in searches as good.

http://www.amazon.com/Eshopps-PSK-100H-Hang-On-Protein-Skimmer/dp/B00244DHRI

Reef Octopus also makes some reasonably priced skimmers as well

Welcome to RC BTW :beer:
ifarmer
08/27/2013, 07:34 AM
there are quite a few hang on tank skimmers out there. AquaC is good but can be expensive.
I wouldn't suggest setting up a sump on this size tank. wait until a few more months until you have a desire to upgrade to something wider such as a 75g, 90g...
the 55g is tough to setup in saltwater
Sugar Magnolia
08/27/2013, 07:44 AM
Aqua C Remora pales in comparison to what the Reef Octopus can do. I've used both and would recommend a Reef Octopus hands down. I run the BH 100 on my 40 breeder.
Tate
08/27/2013, 08:40 AM
I ran the Aqua C Remora on my old 55g for the life of that tank, about 8 years. I was in college and broke as a joke back then. Bought it used off ebay. For all I know it worked really well. It pulled out nasty gunk and the tank thrived. Everyone says Reef Octopus is better but they didn't exist back when I bought the Aqua C.
SuperPilot
08/27/2013, 10:56 AM
I have a 55 gal tank with a Coralife 65G Super Skimmer found on drsfostersmith site for $70. It says that requires 24-hrs to break in, mine started skimming in less than 1hr and I am pretty happy with it. simple to set up, Hang on the back...... prior to this I had the Instant Ocean SeaClone skimmer, total garbage, loud, does not skim properly, i mean garbage.
Aqua_expert19
08/27/2013, 05:26 PM
i use to run a remora pro on my 55g reef when i had it. that paired with a refugium i never did water changes but once every 2 months.
SDNative
08/27/2013, 07:06 PM
I second Reef Octopus HOB skimmers!!!
SirKevinD
08/27/2013, 11:04 PM
+1! I have used a bunch if skimmers so far with the mentality that if they're cheap I can just buy another one if it breaks. I decided to go with "quality over quantity" and dished out the 129.00 at BRS for the Reef Octopus BH100. You won't be sorry with that choice.
msnwld
08/28/2013, 09:13 AM
I have a 55 gal tank with a Coralife 65G Super Skimmer found on drsfostersmith site for $70. It says that requires 24-hrs to break in, mine started skimming in less than 1hr and I am pretty happy with it. simple to set up, Hang on the back...... prior to this I had the Instant Ocean SeaClone skimmer, total garbage, loud, does not skim properly, i mean garbage.

My 1st Skimmer was the seaclone and also a friend of mine had it. We both bought them at the same time. Mine skimmed and his just wouldn't. no clue why but mine worked great for 3 years. I now run reef octopus bh 2000 and am very impresses with it...
thegrun
08/28/2013, 09:52 AM
You could also go with an in-tank skimmer like the Tunze 9002 or 9006 if you don't mind the look of a sruare black box in your tank.
michfish5
08/28/2013, 10:12 AM
I have the Aquamaxx HOB-1 on my 65 FOWLR. It is super quiet and does a great job.
SuperPilot
08/28/2013, 11:32 AM
My 1st Skimmer was the seaclone and also a friend of mine had it. We both bought them at the same time. Mine skimmed and his just wouldn't. no clue why but mine worked great for 3 years. I now run reef octopus bh 2000 and am very impresses with it...


yeah reef octopus is much better skimmer and cost more too. but for a 55 gal like mine, the coralife works fine..

but if money not an issue, oh definitely, go with Reef octopus