here we go... need advice on a protein skimmer

[Jalo Reefa']

long time African Cichlid keeper, about to set up my first marine tank in a 36 gallon corner. I want a tank heavily stocked with live rock and understocked with fish (maybe a flamefish, damsel, not much more than that)

I'd like a hang on protein skimmer but don't know which one to go with - it seems like every review I read for EVERY skimmer (hang on or not) is very negative... the Prizm sucks, sea clone sucks, etc etc.

I don't have the cabinet space or desire to do a sump, so I was thinking a power filter and a skimmer, combined with a light bio load.

Anyone on here have any advice on a nice HOT skimmer??? Can I just permanently use a HOT magnum with the micro sleeve or do I absolutely need a protein skimmer. Price is not an immediate concern, I just want something that works that isn't going to require an ABSURD amount of maintenance

JR'

[Reefscape]

I suppose some of it depends on the budget in mind...The aqua C HOB skimmers are pretty darn good for the money..

http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_AquariumPage~PageAlias~protein_skimmers_aquac_r emora_pro.html

Coralife Skimmers - "Ok"...

http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_AquariumPage~PageAlias~protein_skimmers_coralif e_super_needle_wheel_venturi_system.html


If it was me, i'd go with the Aqua C..

Hope that helps.. :)

[Sploke]

CPR Bakpak or AquaC Remora

[Jalo Reefa']

I was taking a hard look at the Bak Pak - the AquaC seems to get a lot of good press, but I've also heard the Bak Pak is way easier to maintain and set up. I also heard a horror story about how an AquaC managed to "skim" 4 gallons of water onto someone's floor. I know just about any of these things will always have one or two horror stories. I like how the Bak Pak is pretty much just plug and play, I'm not a big fan of having to do a lot of plumbing or using other pumps.