View Full Version : Help needed in choosing a protein skimmer
cecho
10-01-2008, 11:58 PM
Ive been looking at all the different protein skimmers out their and have narrowed it down to two. The filters has to be a HOB since I have no room for a sump. I don't mind going a little bit bigger since I'm hoping on upgrading. My tank is a 36 gallon bow. Ive pretty much narrowed it down to the AquaC Remora Pro with the Rio1400 and the skimmer box or the Aqua Medic Turboflotor Hang on Protein Skimmer. Id like to here all the pro's and con's of each or if anyone out their has a suggestion for a different filter im taking my time to select a good protein skimmer.
thank
-Chris
JesterAAK
10-04-2008, 6:53 PM
When I was using a HOB setup I used the CPR Bak-Pak. Uses a maxi-jet powerhead with a venturi insert. worked well on my 55. i wouldn't use Rio powerheads, have heard horror stories about them when they die.
archer772
10-04-2008, 8:37 PM
I have never used either one but I know a couple people that have and the Aqua C seems to be the preferred skimmer of the 2.
archer772
10-04-2008, 8:50 PM
Have you considered a Deltec skimmer.
http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewItem~category~Deltec_External_Protein_Skimm er_MCE300_Saltwater_Aquarium_Supplies_Protein_Skim mers_In_Sump_Venturi_With_Needle_Wheel~vendor~Delt ec~SearchStr~~action~view~idProduct~DD1511~idCateg ory~FIPSISNW.html
cecho
10-04-2008, 10:35 PM
For the CPR Bak-Pak how do you adjust pump or is it like the remora that you only adjust the collection cup. I have heard some good things about the CPR except not as many as the remora. Not saying that either one is better since i dont know anything about them. right now i have the coralife, yea i know its a horrible skimmer. As for the rio if i go with the remora i might jump up to the mag pump, im going to e-mail remora becuase im interested in the prefilter attachment but everywere i look the dimension shown are confusing becuase it writes them out as LXWXH but by the picture it looks that the numbers are writtin in the order of LXHXW. My LFS store down here does not carry them and im kind of hesitant to order it over the net and have it not fit. Last thing, does anyone have any experience with the qua Medic Turboflotor Hang on Protein Skimmer. Oh and i looked at the deltec, never knew they had a hang on model thought they were more into the insump, how well do they work?
thanks
-Chris
agilis
10-06-2008, 10:32 PM
Big price difference with a Deltec. They are excellent, though. Bermuda Aquatics Rogue is a nifty hang-on that falls in price between the cheaper ones mentioned, and the Deltec. I use one, and like it very much.
jayghmi
10-07-2008, 11:43 AM
I love my remora c pro and it's RIO 1400 pump. I just cleaned the pump for the first time after more than a year of operation and it really wasn't even very dirty. I have not heard any horror stories of pump failure, but I do not most people prefer the maxi jet. My Rio has been trouble free and quiet.
I think the coral life HOB skimmer is a very good skimmer as well, but it is very sensitive, a micro bubble machine and ugly as $#!!.
I also recommend the skimmer box you mentioned because it enhances surface skimming big time and hides the ugly pump.
jayghmi
10-07-2008, 11:46 AM
Also the skimmer box dimensions are incorrect. It is about 4 inches from the back of the tank toward the front. Because it is black, it is almost invisible in my tank.
Thanks a lot jayghmi cleared up a lot of questions about that skimmer box. And yes your right the coralife is ugly and produced a lot of bubbles.