dano,
just a "squiggen" more then your "budget"...
this is the guy you want... (if you "have to go "on the cheap" for a while...check out "Skilter's" - a great little "starter skimmer" for smaller tanks...)
From MarineDepot
http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewIt...idProduct=ACRM
AQUAC REMORA WITH MJ1200
Price: $163.95
AquaC Remora w/ MaxiJet 1200 Kit
Kit Features:
Model # : Remora Hang-On
Tank Size (Gallons): up to 75
Included Pump: MaxiJet 1200
Skimmer Height: 17.5"
Minimum Tank Height: 12.75"
Minimum Overhead Clearance for Proper Function: 5.5"
Depth: 2.75"
Width: 6"
The revolutionary AquaC protein skimmers do not use venturis, downdraft tubes, or air pumps; they employ the patented "Spray Injection System." This innovation allows the protein skimmer to efficiently draw in much more air than any other of the top protein skimmers. This coupled with the superiorly designed compact reaction chamber yields results that will literally blow the waste out of your water.
"For its compact size and simple design, The AquaC protein skimmer is able to process a large volume of water and efficiently remove organic pollutants. I`m very happy with it!"
Fernando Nosratpour, Senior Aquarist
Birch Aquarium at Scripps
If you are searching for the most compact, efficient, and powerful hang-on-tank skimmer on the market, look no further. AquaC has finished development of the Remora - the most radical design in skimming to date! Using the same patent pending spray-induction system as their acclaimed in-sump skimmers, AquaC`s Remora is simply the best hang-on available today. The Remora is rated up to 75 gallons and requires a scant 2.75" clearance from the back of the tank. That is slim! You`ll appreciate its low profile, only 6" of vertical clearance is required. Standard equipment include a Rio 800 water pump, adjustable collection cup, and a special baffle system which prevents any bubbles from entering the aquarium. For those who need a more powerful skimmer, AquaC is soon to release a larger hang-on dubbed the Remora Pro. Essentially a larger, beefier version of the Remora, the Pro can handle tanks over 75 gallons in size. It is designed to meet the needs of large, sumpless tanks which cannot benefit from the power of AquaC`s EV Series. Despite its performance (literally blowing away others on the market), the Remora Pro is only 18" x 7.5" x 3.25". That`s right, it is still one of the smallest hang-on skimmers in the industry. This is made possible due to the use of the effiicient spray-induction system found on all AquaC skimmers. The Pro comes standard with a low-wattage, yet forceful Rio 1400, and produces so much foam you won`t believe it till you see it in operation.
The AquaC Remora Series is the first hang-on protein skimmer under $250 to be able to generate a dry consistency of foam that previously only an in-sump "super-skimmer" is capable of. This is especially true of the AquaC Remora Pro.
OmarD
SeaClone Skimmer 
im just starting out and wanting to take it small and slow. *I just got a 40 gallon tank. the Drs. sell a SeaClone for $67 for the up to 100 gl and $84 for up to 150gl. are these skimmers any good for the begginer? 
(as Matt says...)
