skimmer dilemma

[manfish]

I don't have enough room in my sump to use an in-sump skimmer and I only have 3" behind the tank. I was hoping someone could suggest an affordable stand alone skimmer to be placed on a shelf beside the tank. (125 gal. tank) As usual cost is a big factor. I'm trying to save for some good lights.

I was wondering if it would be possible to run 2 prizm hot skimmers. they are only rated for 90 gal tank, but they are only 3" wide and they are the only skimmers I could find to fit the available space.

Any and all comments are welcome.

[manfish]

I did some research and found the Red Sea Berlin classic can be used as a stand alone.

has anyone had any experience with this skimmer? How do you have it set up?

Poor planning on my part. I never figured to go salt, I use a Tidepool II wet/dry (very small sump) and a Fluval404 canister. I had good luck with this in my freshwater set up for about a year and a half. I never allowed enough room behind the tank for a skimmer.

After it is cycled, I don't want to, but I might have to drain and move the tank out a little. I'm a week into the cycle.

[ben72227]

you might could try an aquac remora - they're about 2.75 inches wide and you could probably fit it behind the tank if you have 3 inches of space. I think they can do about 75 gallons, so you might go with two of them.

i think the bak pak skimmers are about 3 inches - you might check them out as well.

i would recommend the aquac remora though.

(P.S. - it may be a little pricey for you - about $160 per aquac remora, but its only because they are the best you can get)

[plantman1028]

You could try the bakpak2.It has 2 skimmers built in.My brother has one on his 180 and the tank is CLEAR.They should fit behind your tank.

[manfish]

Thanks to all for the info. I'll give the bakpak2 some consideration. At this time I have 50 lbs. of reef bones, dead coral, soon I will be picking up some LR. I'll be ordering a little at a time and add it to the tank. Would it be possible to remove the oversized bio wheel and filter compartments of my tidepool sump and use it strictly for the skimmer. I am also running a Fluval 404 with bio balls and other filter media for filtration.