Need Protein Skimmer Advice

I have a 120 gallon tank with a truvu 125 wet dry and i am looking for a skimmer but dont know what to get. I am looking for a hang on filter or a stand alone filter which i would get an external pump to run to it. There just isnt room for a in sump protein skimmer so those are my only options. Any imput on brands would be great and im not looking to spend a fortune so keep that in mind thanks ;D

 

look at the SWC line of skimmers

 

If what patrick is talking about are the new ones all the members are raving about outta Colorado, I second it!! Also, reconsider making room for an in sump skimmer. You should have more than enough room under a 120g.

(my .02 cents)

 

DelRey Wet/Dry Model 125
well in the wet/dry there is no room because of the bioballs and the other side will only fit the return pump so im kind of limited there

 

Definitely "read up" on bioballs Adam.

 

why? do i need a protein skimmer if i have them or what?

 

http://www.3reef.com/forums/new-hobby/bio-balls-they-needed-not-39564.html

http://www.3reef.com/forums/refugium/refugium-bioballs-43919.html

 

If you are limited on space check out some external models.

 

I'm a big believer in external skimmers because they add so much less heat. I run my tank with an external return pump and an external skimmer pump. With tons of halides, I run without a chiller. Having said that, I also think if you have enough live rock, you can run without bioballs. Live rock basicly does the same thing (provide matrix for deammonification and denitrifying bacteria) with less potential for trapping detritus. Without the bioballs you could have room for your skimmer. Either choice has advantages.- Paul

 

The closest thing we have to filling your needs would be:

BH 500 Protein Skimmer

The rating for a lightly stocked tank is pretty close to yours though, and I like to recommend a skimmer that people can run on an overstocked tank, so you should also look at Aqua C skimmers.

This one can be run internally or externally:

EV180

Last but not least if your budget is really tight, I would recommend a Coralife 220. they can be very hard to tune and won't offer the same performance as the other skimmers, but I still think they are a solid product.

Coralife Protein Skimmer Venturi 220 Gallon