Are HOB protein skimmers any good?

[plecoco]

If you have the choice between HOB or recirculating, which one would you pick? What about for a smaller-sized tank?

I'm looking at skimmers and the HOB seems very convenient.

[GimpyFin]

hang on skimmers do ok on smaller tanks. I have a hang-on aquatic life skimmer on my 27 cube and it has worked well in my (tiny) 5.5g sump.

[DylansGolden]

I've heard amazing things of the Aquamaxx HOB-1. Few buddies have ran them with success.

[moatdaddy]

http://i1120.photobucket.com/albums/l485/moatdaddy/Mobile%20Uploads/20160511_173507.jpg (http://s1120.photobucket.com/user/moatdaddy/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160511_173507.jpg.html)

behind the led lights. I maintain 0/0 on my nutrients. I clean the cup daily. It works like a charm, has for years. Thats a 2000 on a 350g system. so....

I love it because i dont bend over, its easy to clean and do routine maintenance on.

http://www.marinedepot.com/Reef_Octopus_Classic_HOB_Protein_Skimmer_Hang_On_Venturi_Protein_Skimmers-Reef_Octopus-CV20197-FIPSHOVS-vi.html

whenever i google them marine depot always pops up first

[rhinonm]

Problem with Hang On units is the pump devotes a larger part of its energy sucking the water through the intake against gravity. It robs the performance. A submersed skimmer doesn't have to suck against gravity.

[solitude127]

Noise is an issue as well with HOBs since the unit is outside the cabinet.

[FirstContact]

With a 10g tank I would rely on water changes.

[Reef Frog]

HOB skimmers can also clutter up the view for some. Don't know if that's an issue for you. It also requires plenty of extra room for proper access & maintenence if a tank is to be placed next to a wall.

[mandarin_goby]

My Aquamaxx HOB has been working great and it's very quiet on my 57 rimless. I used to have a Bak Pak HOB which worked fine also, but the pump was very loud.

[win]

I agree with GimpyFin, HOB skimmers are great for smaller tanks. Only problem is to watch out for overflow. If you're always around, then it shouldn't be a problem. Yeah it's also convenient. Go for it!

[sepulvd]

i use a remora hob and it works perfectly but I have it mounted on the sump.

[Uncle Luke]

i run a deltec mce600 hob. it has thouroghly outperformed any in sump skimmer I've ever used. including bubble king

[plecoco]

Thanks for all the advice. I'm weighing my pros and cons of using HOB rather than in-tank. It seems like the AquaMaxx HOB-1 is a highly-rated skimmer, as suggested in this thread. Anyone have more experiences with it?

[oseymour]

Thanks for all the advice. I'm weighing my pros and cons of using HOB rather than in-tank. It seems like the AquaMaxx HOB-1 is a highly-rated skimmer, as suggested in this thread. Anyone have more experiences with it?

I used it a couple of years ago and I loved it. When I first added a sump I had it handing on the side of my sump. I like the fact that it has a pipe that if the skimmer cup overflows it is directed back in the skimmer body not on the floor.

[ClownFishGuy6]

Not any of the cyclone protein skimmers I have had them and they are absolutely garbage. I just ordered a reef octopus classic 100 because I hear it's pretty good and everyone is reccomending that over all the others. Look up reef octopus and see which protein skimmer is for you

[abhishek@1985]

I would second a Deltec MCE600 or if a smaller tank then a Deltec MCE400 . Nothing beats a Deltec in HOB , way better than most of the in sump skimmers even

And to my knowledge, Adam from battlecorals.com is the only distributer . If interested, drop him a mail and he would explain in way better detail .

Regards,
Abhishek

[cougareyes]

Used an eshopps hob 75 on a 30 gal, it was a beast, one of the best skimmers I ever had. I converted it to a sump skimmer when I upgraded tanks.

[plecoco]

Researching the Deltec, eshopps, and AquaMaxx. Thanks all. Will report back.

[Molter]

I just ordered an Aquamaxx HOB-1 on Friday and it should be here tomorrow.
I'll give you a heads up on how it affects my nutrient levels.

[moondoggy4]

The Deltec MCE 300 is a real nice skimmer great for the nano size tanks.