OK Don't laugh but........

In my 65 gallon reef I've been running a prizm HOB skimmer for about 2 years now. Now I know everyone hates this skimmer but I must say it has worked for me (at least I assume so - it pulls some real dark s#!% out of the water that I remove and clean every 3-5 days). Anyway, I am looking to upgrade because I feel that even though it works, I should use a better one on this tank and use this on a future nano. Now room is not an issue so I don't need to have a HOB but I am open to all suggestions!

Thanks!

 

I like ASM skimmers, do a good job, their quiet and priced well do require a sump tank though, you said space isnt an issue but not sure if that means your adding a sump or not

 

Hmmmmm. Well here are a few of my suggestions. They are in sump types.

PM Bullet-1 (Bullet-2 if you want to upgrade later)
AquaC EV-120 (EV-180 if you want to upgrade later)
ETSS Evolution 500 (750 IYWTUL)
ETSS 600XR (Good from 100 to 300 gallons--I have an older model running on my 90g)
Deltec MC 500 (MCE 600 IYWTUL)

The deltec is by far the most expensive, but it is the cadillac of skimmers IMO. I run an ETSS and I am very happy with it. If I had to buy one new, I would go for the PM Bullet series. Make sure you get one that is ozone compatable just in case you want to go ozone sometime in the future.

 

Theres really nothing that I can add to this statement, all the skimmer noted are top notch. Well, one came to mind, Tunze(sp) makes great products. Good luck with whatever skimmer you decide to get. Luna

 

I do have a refuge but it is a HOB type as well. I unfortunately do not have the room for an under tank sump at the moment. I probably should rephrase that i have room under my tank for a skimmer but not for an in sump skimmer - new to skimmers so not sure whats available. Is it only HOB or in sump that they work?

Thanks for your patience

 

I had an aqua-c and it was nice...have considered getting that skimmer for my new tank also

 

I agree with pharmrjohn's list.... I own an Aqua C, EV180 that has worked very well for us, but while a sump is not absolutely required, an un-restricted & freeflowing discharge is for both the Aqua C and PM Bullets. We have upgraded from a 100g working volume to a 250g working volume and so have gone from the Aqua C to a PM Bullet-3 with ozone.

 

How about a Bubble king 200 External

Royal Exclusiv Bubble King Super Marine 200 Internal Protein Skimmer

You can run it in your stand without a sump

J

 

auqa-c makes some good HOB ones, I have a auqa-c urchin hob on a maintenance tank I take care of does a decent job

 

Some suggestions for HOB skimmers are

AquaC Remora
Octopus BH-100F
Deltec MCE 600 (Actually this is a HOB skimmer that can be used in the sump)

The first two are reasonably priced and will do you just fine. Which one is better? Depends on who you ask. I have not read one post where someone has been dissatisfied with either.