good protein skimmer?

[Avid_Aquarist]

i am starting a 55 gallon FOWLR and need a relatively cheap protein skimmer...
anyone got any suggestins on brands, models, online stores...

the tank and the rest of the setup is already going to rape my wallet so im
kind of looking for a less expensive, good skimmer.
mahalo

 

[stephenray75]

i went on ebay and got a JEBO 180 for only $30. The jebo would remove a thick black crap. it worked great. I had a prizm but it was to touchy.

 

[benjen]

You can get a CPR Bak Pak 2 from Premium Aquatics for $130. Otherwise check for a local Marine Aquarium Society or eBay to pick up a used one. Many of the really cheap protien skimmers cannot be made to function reliably or ridiculously overestimate their capabilities. (The Prizm works on up to about 30 gallons and claims to work on up to 100.)

http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merc...&Product_Code=CPR-BAKPAK&Category_Code=Bakpak

 

[mygreengoldfish]

I started with a Seaclone protein skimmer for $70, sounds like a good deal doesn't it. But what I later figured out was that it barely worked and I ended up losing all of the life on live rock. I ended up with a Euroreef ES series skimmer which is three times the price but I am much happier as are my fishy friends. Don't go cheap on a protein skimmer, it is the most essential part of your tank's life support.

 

[mogurnda]

Euroreef makes great skimmers, but I keep seeing happy posts from AquaC Remora owners.

 

[QCppg]

Mind you I have no fish and a small aquarium, but I am impressed with my Visi-jet skimmer (only $30). The only problem I have been having is that it puts a lot of "fizz" into the aquarium, and this is because I had to cut the contact tube in half to fit it in my aquarium. It removes about half an ounce or so of dark brown liquid from the water a week despite my small tank and light stocking.

 

[Avid_Aquarist]

ive decided to go with either the AquaC remora w/maxi jet for $150, or the CPR Bakpak for only $100

anyone use either of these and will testify for/against?

 

[mogurnda]

I use a CPR bakpak on my 20. It's fine on the small tank, but I'd go for the Remora on a 55.

 

[Mbryant122]

I have a Remora Pro with the mag drive 3 and a pre-skimmer box on a 75 gallon. I’ve only had it for 6 weeks or so, but it appears to be doing the job. I have raised the collection cup so I’m only collecting a cup a day. I would recommend the optional drain valve. I’m planning on retrofitting the drain valve soon.