Best sumpless in-tank/HOB protein skimmer for a 37 gallon

Nickmcc · 08/23/2016, 09:09 PM

I've been looking to get the Tunze 9004 but how does it compare to the Reef Octupus and other skimmers.

Mark426 · 08/24/2016, 05:53 AM

The best HOB I have owned was the RO BH-90. About as close as you can get to the performance of in-sumps skimmer. Mine was set and forget.

mandarin_goby · 08/24/2016, 06:59 AM

I love my Aquamaxx HOB...I'm even using it now alongside my ReefOctopus in sump skimmer as extra peace of mind.

brownsps · 08/24/2016, 08:39 AM

Tough to beat the aquamax hot

smatter · 08/24/2016, 11:24 AM

I like internal equipment. No leaks, no losses. My Tunze 9004 has been a champ, just make sure you have an ATO.

Nickmcc · 08/24/2016, 04:06 PM

Why would I need an ato if I were to get the Tunze

mcgyvr · 08/24/2016, 04:30 PM

FWIW..
Seconds ago I just placed an order for an Eshopps PSK-75H for my 40G breeder tank..

Had eshopps in the past and very impressed with the quality/performance of them..
I like that the pump is external to avoid the heat in the tank + its a great Italian sicce pump..

nmotz · 08/24/2016, 04:33 PM

The Reef Octopus BH-1000 is a decent skimmer. It'll try to overflow on you a bit in the beginning but there's a good youtube video showing how to set it up.

Only downside is you have to cut a little of the intake pipe so that the surface skimmer is at the right height to actually "skim the surface."

Otherwise, once it gets broken in it'll start pulling out nasty brown stuff like a champ. Had mine running about a year, no problems.

Nickmcc · 08/24/2016, 04:41 PM

I'm mainly looking for one that's visually appealing and will be efficient enough for a 37 gallon

smatter · 08/26/2016, 07:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nickmcc

Why would I need an ato if I were to get the Tunze

Because it draws in water from the surface. Internal skimmers are much more consistent when the water level doesn't change. I have used internal skimmers and topped up by hand, but once I locked down the water they just worked better.

Nickmcc · 08/26/2016, 09:21 PM

Okay I ended up getting the Tunze. I don't mind topping off the water occasionally

smatter · 08/27/2016, 11:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nickmcc

Okay I ended up getting the Tunze. I don't mind topping off the water occasionally

I think you will be pleased with your decision.

oseymour · 08/27/2016, 01:26 PM

I used the AquaMaxx HOB1 on this exact tank years ago, When I added a sump I simple hung it on the side of the sump and it still worked great.

Nickmcc · 08/28/2016, 03:00 AM

Tunze 9004 arrived in the mail today. Found a great deal on eBay for $75 brand new. So far I'm glad with my decision. Main thing was noise because my tank's in my room and it's silent. Thank you everybody.

smatter · 08/28/2016, 03:15 PM

ATATT · 08/17/2018, 03:57 PM

Are you happy with the 9004 ?

gprdypoo04 · 08/18/2018, 11:30 AM

Been running the 9004 on my 40 breeder for years. Great skimmer,

08/23/2016, 09:09 PM	#1
Nickmcc Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: 562, CA Posts: 467	Best sumpless in-tank/HOB protein skimmer for a 37 gallon I've been looking to get the Tunze 9004 but how does it compare to the Reef Octupus and other skimmers.

08/24/2016, 06:59 AM	#3
mandarin_goby Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Raleigh, NC Posts: 844	I love my Aquamaxx HOB...I'm even using it now alongside my ReefOctopus in sump skimmer as extra peace of mind. __________________ 75 with Eshopps 100 sump, Reef Octopus 110 SSS skimmer, Sicce 3.0 pump, Maxspect Gyre 130, 2 x Kessil a360W, mangroves plus clip-on bulb in sump 75 FW planted with CO2, 12 gallon cherry shrimp tank

08/24/2016, 04:30 PM	#7
mcgyvr Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 20,050	FWIW.. Seconds ago I just placed an order for an Eshopps PSK-75H for my 40G breeder tank.. Had eshopps in the past and very impressed with the quality/performance of them.. I like that the pump is external to avoid the heat in the tank + its a great Italian sicce pump.. __________________ Who me?

08/24/2016, 04:33 PM	#8
nmotz Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: FL, USA Posts: 1,433	The Reef Octopus BH-1000 is a decent skimmer. It'll try to overflow on you a bit in the beginning but there's a good youtube video showing how to set it up. Only downside is you have to cut a little of the intake pipe so that the surface skimmer is at the right height to actually "skim the surface." Otherwise, once it gets broken in it'll start pulling out nasty brown stuff like a champ. Had mine running about a year, no problems. __________________ Mantis shrimp are the best! Current Tank Info: 20L Peacock mantis shrimp tank

08/27/2016, 01:26 PM	#13
oseymour Euphyllia Addict Join Date: May 2012 Location: Brooklyn, NY Posts: 1,424	I used the AquaMaxx HOB1 on this exact tank years ago, When I added a sump I simple hung it on the side of the sump and it still worked great. __________________ Just started Red Sea Reefer 350 (75 Gallon) Build Thread - http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2555495 Current Tank Info: Red Sea Reefer 350

08/24/2016, 05:53 AM	#2
Mark426 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: South Carolina Posts: 2,479	The best HOB I have owned was the RO BH-90. About as close as you can get to the performance of in-sumps skimmer. Mine was set and forget.

08/24/2016, 08:39 AM	#4
brownsps Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Indiana Posts: 67	Tough to beat the aquamax hot

08/24/2016, 11:24 AM	#5
smatter Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Madison, WI Posts: 2,055	I like internal equipment. No leaks, no losses. My Tunze 9004 has been a champ, just make sure you have an ATO.

08/24/2016, 04:06 PM	#6
Nickmcc Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: 562, CA Posts: 467	Why would I need an ato if I were to get the Tunze

08/24/2016, 04:41 PM	#9
Nickmcc Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: 562, CA Posts: 467	I'm mainly looking for one that's visually appealing and will be efficient enough for a 37 gallon

08/26/2016, 09:21 PM	#11
Nickmcc Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: 562, CA Posts: 467	Okay I ended up getting the Tunze. I don't mind topping off the water occasionally

08/28/2016, 03:00 AM	#14
Nickmcc Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: 562, CA Posts: 467	Tunze 9004 arrived in the mail today. Found a great deal on eBay for $75 brand new. So far I'm glad with my decision. Main thing was noise because my tank's in my room and it's silent. Thank you everybody.

08/28/2016, 03:15 PM	#15
smatter Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Madison, WI Posts: 2,055

08/17/2018, 03:57 PM	#16
ATATT Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2015 Posts: 10	Are you happy with the 9004 ?

08/18/2018, 11:30 AM	#17
gprdypoo04 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 389	Been running the 9004 on my 40 breeder for years. Great skimmer,