Protein Skimmers?

[Carlos]

Hello Everyone, I have an established 55gallon reef aquarium, it has been up for about 2 years now. I have a venturi type skimmer that I've not been very happy with as it seems to only work half the time. I'm currently looking for a new skimmer, i was told a AquaC urchin skimmer would be the best fit. Im sure you guys need more info about my tank to recommend anything so please ask... thank you

[BrianH]

Do you have a sump? I'm not sure about the urchins, but everyone loves the HOT remora model.
Brian

[cboyfan2020]

THE CPR BAK-PAK SKIMMER IS AN EXCELLENT CHOICE IT ALSO HAS A BIO FILTER THAT IS BUILT INTO IT. IT RUNS ABOUT 100-130 DOLLARS AND IS RATED FOR TANKS UP TO 60 GALLONS

[Carlos]

Yes I do have a sump.. I have heard the ramora as being really good, but since I do have a sump wouldnt I be better off with the urchin? What about these back packs skimmers...??? Because i have a sump should i avoid hang on or back pack skimmers?? Thanks everyone

[littleprince]

My rule is: Anyone that types in all caps, well... I dont read them too carefully.

The bak pak is a nice little skimmer for smaller tanks like 20G. Just because it says 60G on the box doesnt mean it works well for larger tanks. I would say the BakPak is too small for your tank. You have 55 G plus a sump, and if you add a refuge later even more water to worry about. Theres a ton of good skimmers out there. Might as well get the right one the first time.

[BrianH]

I agree with little prince, the bak pak is good for smaller tanks but I would go with something a little larger for you tank.
Since you have a sump I would look at the Urchin pro with the mag 3 pump. Again, I don't have any experience with this skimmer but since the remora pro is so highly regarded and the urchin is the in-sump version, I would think that this is a good skimmer for your 55 gal. tank. Try asking this question on some of the other high volume SW boards and you may get some people with hands on experience.
Brian

[fishr]

Works pretty good. I dont have a sump and its a hang on so uh it might not be a good thing for you persay.

But in the directions it shows how to hook up the skimmer to a sump so I guess this skimmer works for both.

Havent seen too many models but with this skimmer you can adjust the flow. So I am pleased with it..

[Carlos]

Mag 3 pump??? Isnt that for bigger tanks, i thought a maxijet 1200 would be plenty enough for my tank......would a mag 3 be more effective??

[slipknottin]

A Mag 3 pumps 300 GPH, a MJ 1200 pumps 295 GPH.

[BrianH]

I suggested the mag drive 3 because the urchin pro comes with either the mag drive or a rio 1400. The maxi jet is the upgrade on the regular urchin model. I suggest the urchin pro because IMHO it will do a better job on your tank than the urchin. The urchin pro is rated for tank sizes 40 - 120 gallons while the regular urchin is rated for tank sizes 20 - 75 gallons. IMHO you would be better off spending the extra $50 or so and get the urchin pro.
Brian

[Carlos]

Well its done......Ive ordered the Pro C Urchin with the maxijet .....from marine depot.......Thanks for the suggestion guys, you have been lots of help.....