Need A New Skimmer

Bruce · 12-31-2006, 02:05 AM

Well...I think that after 3 years i need a new skimmer. The one i have now has gotten way to noisey...and i dont think it is even working very well. Does anyone know of a nice hang-on skimmer for a reef tank? Im not sure if i want to go with another bak-pak 2. Also, does anyone know if the loss of the filter material that i would get because of removing the skimmer (bio-bail) would be a problem?

sssnake · 12-31-2006, 04:57 AM

The only ones I'm familiar with are the Coralife skimmers. I'm running the CSS 220 on my 120g & the CSS 65 on my 20g (both HOB). They are very good skimmers and one of the better buys for the buck!

For your 55g I would consider the middle model from Coralife (CSS 125 I believe).

There's allot of members in here that speak very highly of the Aqua C skimmers as well.

With regards to the filter material, you have quite a bit of LR & LS which should keep things in check. Just monitor your parameters diligently and be prepared for a water change (if need be).

Good luck.

Tangster · 12-31-2006, 08:58 AM

I never liked a HOB anything but if it where me and I had to use a Hang on I'd get the old Berlin Classic HOB then if you ever get a sump it will serve as a standalone sump model also.. A 2'fer for the price of one..And they are old and tried and true and work like crazy.. I have a few Red Sea Berlins older then many here and still a skimming..

Covey · 12-31-2006, 01:24 PM

For the HOB skimmers in my opinion. I rate them like this.
1)The Deltec with the Aqua-Bee
2)Aquamedic's T-1000 multi (like Matt's)
3)The bigger of the two Coralife's(nothing wrong with the CSS65 just too small for your tank.)
4)The Deltec with the maxi-jet
5)Remora

Most of the others like the Seaclone, Prizm, BakPak, Skilter are all kinda of weak and I wouldn't suggest them.

Birchell · 01-01-2007, 08:10 PM

lol, I have the prizm, and im not to sure about it yet. I cant turn it up far enough to do any good. I dont know if it will break in later and work, but for now im gonna have to agree with Covey about the order of HOB skimmers.

Urban_s · 01-01-2007, 09:50 PM

I love my remora. Works great! A little pricey. If I were to get a new skimmer I would probly go with the coralife super skimmer.

euthyphro · 01-01-2007, 09:54 PM

I have been using my coralife for about two weeks now, it whistled at first but it is now very quiet and works like a charm

4G1v3N · 01-02-2007, 09:46 AM

If you want the bak pak without the bio bale cpr make's a new one called the 2r+. Its a reef model that does not require the bio bale. I just bought it and it works like a charm. Pretty much the same thing as the 2R but has some diffrent shaping in the dividers. Good for the price and perfect for a 55G.

Reefer Madness · 02-01-2007, 08:26 AM

I wish they had a DIY skimmer. That would be great!!

Urban_s · 02-01-2007, 09:29 AM

They do!