Need new skimmer...Suggestions?

[xena47r]

I am not at all impressed with my skimmer which I bought before I really knew what they did. It's a hang-on type that I really don't think does its job. I definately need another hang-on and I need it to be a reasonable price. Anyone have suggestions as to what I should consider?

[xena47r]

Forgot to mention, I have a 35-40 gallon tank.
Thanks

[Conan]

hey xena,
Harley on this site makes skimmers at a very cheap price. He charged me 80$ for mine and I had a 33G tank at the time.
You can drop him a line in the Acrylic city section

[xena47r]

Actually, I already tried that but he said he doesn't make hang-ons anymore..:bawling:

[xena47r]

Here is a pic of the one I have:

http://www.dannermfg.com/index.htm

[Conan]

well, if you're a bit of a DIYer, you can always research on how to make one... you can make a hang-on out of a rectangular box witch makes it alot easier!
I also have one for sale that Harley made, but you would need a venturi pump to make it work...
And of course mine is for a 33G tank, I dunno if it would fit your tank.

[Conan]

Another option is to have one built that you can run in a closed loop. I'm shure harley makes those.

[xena47r]

Definately not a DIY'er! I wouldn't have a clue where to start. Wouldn't even know what a venturi pump is..lol
I have been toying with the following but don't know if it would be any better than what I already have...

http://www.jlaquatics.com/cgi-bin/shopping/jalstore.cgi?user_action=detail&catalogno=ps-rsp

[venkiw]

I might have a few skimmers, I can part with let me know if you them, it is of course free if you are in ottawa.

I think I might have one I paid for like 125 from Harley, but never used, you can take it. But Needs a sump.

I have a HOT works beautifully as long as you can maintain your water level consistantly.

Venki

[mickyfin]

Buy an Aqua-C Remora used off ebay. That's where ig to mine for my 33 gallon and it works great :) It was about 100$ US

[xena47r]

I have a HOT works beautifully as long as you can maintain your water level consistantly.

Do you mean the water level as in the height or the parameters? lol I am such a newb.

[xena47r]

What about this one? Great price!

http://www.bigalsonline.com/catalog/product.xml?product_id=22453&category_id=2283&pcid1=

[venkiw]

yes I meant height.

[xena47r]

What about this one? Great price!

Woops, that's american dollars! lol

[aragorn69]

I have a Red Sear Berlin Airlift 60 that you can have, it requires an air pump, and I think I have one airstone left, but you can pick those up at any LFS.

http://www.redseafish.com/Product.asp?dir=&catID=93&subID=35&proID=121

[xena47r]

Thanks everyone for the replies... My only problem now is that I don't know which is the best to go with. I made the mistake once, I really don't want to make it a second time. If anyone could give me something to go on, I would be really grateful.

I can't seem to make an informed descision...:dunce:

[apoon]

I think you should go for the Remora:
http://www.proteinskimmer.com/products/Remora.htm

I only heard good things about it. Although it is quite expensive, but it is worth it. I have one and am going to buy another one - probably will wait for their next nano-tank model. If you buy this, it is better to buy the pre-filter (to eliiminate bubbles) as well.

The prism skimmer you mentioned - I only heard bad things about it. I first also considered this and luckily I didn't get one.

[Flame*Angel]

Definitely don't get a Seaclone or a Prizm. Not worth any amount of money.

[xena47r]

Ok, looks like I will have to try and get a Remora. Anyone got a second hand one for sale...lol

Thanks all for the info and advice, very much appreciated.
:group:

[kentracey]

If you're going to buy a Remora, spend a couple bucks more and get the Remora Pro. The Pro models work alot better.

[Peluche]

I have the Remora Pro with an upgraded Mag5 pump on a 65 gallon tank.

The Pro version comes with a Mag3 pump, but you can have a Mag5 for an extra 10$.

I am very very satisfied with it. Needs no adjustments, and keeps on going and going and going. Pulls out tons more gunk than the Seaclown I had.

[xena47r]

Ok, still doing some research on this and found this one...anyone have any experience with this one?

http://www.marinedepot.com/aquarium_protein_skimmers_cpr_bak-pak_sr.asp?ast=&key=

Thanks guys..I just can't afford the 200+ bucks for the remora unless someone offers me a great deal! lol

[xena47r]

Darnit, I keep overlooking the fact that this is in US dollars. Gees!

[xena47r]

I give up....:bawling:

[aragorn69]

You can always have my old berlin airlift 60 there a link to the manufactures site somewere in this thread and use it for a month or 2 and save for the skimmer of your dreams, or the Remora Pro

[Flame*Angel]

xena - if there is one piece of equipment you shouldn't skimp on it's the skimmer. A good skimmer can make up for a lot of mistakes and can prevent a lot of problems. You can cut corners in a lot of places but I would strongly recommend you buy the best skimmer you can afford.

[xena47r]

Thanks, Adam for the offer but I think I will hang on to the one I have for now and do as Susan says, to not skimp on the skimmer. I payed close to 100 bucks for this one which is a shame because had I known it that would have went toward a remora. So I have learned my lesson and will now save money to get the remora. Probably take a few months but I don't have a huge bio-load in my tank so I can prob get away with it for now.
Thanks everyone for the help and advice. I really am grateful. The last thing I want to do is fail in this because it is so costly. I have had the tank running now for close to six weeks and the parametres are near perfect. I will not add anymore livestock to the tank until I have a better skimming system.

[mp123]

I've heard nothing but good things about the Aquac Remora but when I looked into it the ONLY thing that I didn't like was the whole rectangular unit fits inside the tank.
I agree with Conan maybe go with a non hang on and run a closed loop on it if you buy it from your lfs they will show you how to do that...
think about the plans of your tank for the future as wll and if your planning on increasing the size of your tank now is the time to upgrade the skimmer so you dont have to upgrade again... Learn from my mistake :) Not sure where your from but if your looking at jl and big als and you live in B.C I have a few places that sell skimmers for GREAT prices.. Let me know.

[apoon]

mp123, the Remora is hung outside the tank, not inside the tank. They have a sump model which is placed inside the tank.

[plarabie]

I strongly endorse the Remora Pro. I started witha Seaclone, and was forever fussing with the settings in order to get it skimming. The Remora requires little attention beyond emptying the bin of guck, and also fit in the space I had available.

[xena47r]

Yes, I think in the end the remora is the best choice. Mainly because of its slim design. I have limited space behind my tank and so my choices are limited. I have no plans of upgrading my tank as of yet because I can barely afford the one I have and it was given to me! When I hit the lottery, I will have to build my new home around the new tank...lmao

[Flame*Angel]

Sounds like you made the right decision. Let us know how it is when you get it.

[Peluche]

For the last week, I have done a non scientific experience in my sump.

I have the Remora Pro with a Mag5 pump, and the Seaclone working at the same time.

Last night, I mesured the quantity of dark gunk each one had accumulated in 7 days.

The Remora Pro outskimmed the Sea-Clone by 9 to 1.

Do not get me wrong. I used the Seaclone for almost two years, and liked it unlike most users. But my tank is going more and more SPS and I felt I needed the extra skimming. Take the Mag5 pump instaed of the Mag3 when you buy the unit. It’s only 10$ more and worth it in my opinion.

[xena47r]

The Remora Pro outskimmed the Sea-Clone by 9 to 1

Wow, that's amazing!

[xena47r]

Sounds like you made the right decision. Let us know how it is when you get it.
I will and thanks again for your advice!
:thanx:

[Trigger Happy]

Some one here in this thread mentioned putting or making a skimmer out of a closed loop, how do you do this? I have a cannister filter with lots of extra room in it, do you mean this could be used??? Please help! :biggrinbo

[atlantic]

xena......Aquamann from here in town had a used Remora for sale. i dont know if he still has it....but i was only used for maybe 6mts if im not mistaken... you should PM him.... o...he has a ton of live rock for sale too....

[xena47r]

Awesome thanx Atlantic, I will pm him.