What protein skimmer AND a ? about calcium

Andy16

Andy16

AC Members
Dec 10, 2002
766
1
0
36
Wisconsin
Visit site
Ok well i decided to make 2 threads in one just to save some space.

Anyways, i am looking for a protien skimmer for my 20g tank under $120. My that i will be getting will take up ALL of the space on the top of my tank so i think it has to be free standing. Also, what kind of pump do you need to run a protien skimmer?

Now for the calcium question. How do i keep the calcium levels high enough for corals?
I think that all i can say about the calcium since i dont know much about that LOL.
 
for small tanks I've heard Prizim hang on skimmers are pretty good. I think they are by Red Sea but I might be wrong.

As for calcium... you can use a 2 part suppliment, and on a small tank it won't get to expensive over the long run. B-Ionic is one such 2 part suppliment.

You could drip kalkwasser, which can be a pain in the A$$ but it works really good and it also helps maintain pH and percipitates Phospates in such a way that it will help prevent algea growth if you do have phos. in your water.

the only other way I know about is a Calcium Reactor. Real expensive to start up, and for a 20 gallon tank not worth it.

I would probably go with a 2 part suppliment or maybe dripping kalkwasser if you have patience. word to the wise don't get kalkwasser in your eyes (don't ask why i know :rolleyes: )

Guy
 
Premium Aquatics has the bakpak 2r for 119.99. That is just under your limit. I like mine, and from what I read it's easier to tune than a Prizm. However, I just re-read your post, and it sounds like you want something free standing. The only models I know are HOB or in sump, so I am clueless.

In a 20, you should be able to keep your Ca and Alk steady with 2-part additives. I use ESV B-Ionic for mine, and they are steady at 425 and 3.5. You will have to figure out the dosage with a little patient experimentation.
 
I have a Prizm skimmer, and I like it just fine. It hangs off the back of my tank, required very little in the way of fine tuning (maybe I just got lucky), and cost $99.99 plus S&H from www.drsfostersmith.com

My only complaint is that it is a little noisy. However, anything above a whisper qualifies as noisy to me, so take that with a grain of salt. ;)
 
Originally posted by BrianH
For the amount your looking to spend I would go with the Bak Pak. IMHO it and the Aqua C remora(more money) are in their own class(far & above the best) for small tanks.

Brian
Click to expand...

Aqua C has a great reputation for having awsome skimmers, but i'm only familiar with their EV series. But yes I would look into the Remora as BrianH recommended. I forgot all about them having a hang on.
 
the protein skimmer is still undecieded.

But im still a bit confused on the calcium. Does anyone have a link that has a picture of what hte product looks like?
 
What is the difference between calcium and kalkwasser?

That link you gave me morgurnda is going to have to wait until this weekend, very long. I cant wait when i get the time to read it though.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
AquariaCentral.com
Top Bottom