Skimmer Information

[wattsd]

Hi all. I have been asking around and doing a bit of research on skimmers versus what I am currently using (Penguin 330 Bio-wheel). Aparently the skimmer is the way to go and the only reason I am using the bio-wheel is because my (old) LFS told me its fine. I think they were out of the skimmers and just wanted to make a sale. I also found out that they are selling electric blue crabs as halloween crabs- $12 for an electric blue!! I now pay only $2 for one at another place. So to make a long story short....I switched LFS and am looking to see what everone else is using for skimmers and any brands I should be avoiding or definatively using.

Also I am in Maine and the local dealers are few and far between so I will most likely be ordering online and if anyone has had tremendous success with a particular site I would love to know. (If i order something I will tell them you refered me and maybe you will get a discount on something)

The way I figure it, I should be asking people like yourselves for information rather than the people making the buck. So please give me some feedback on your skimmers!!

My tank specs as of yet:
30g with 30lbs LR (getting more)
2 clowns
1 royal gramma
5 hermits/2 snails
Penguin 330 Bio-wheel
150 watt heater

Plan on eventually getting some corals and inverts.

Thanks for taking the time to help me! My fish will thank you.

 

[oscar83]

The skimmer I use is a Prizm Deluxe with the surface skimmer attatchment. It can take a few weeks to break it in but once it is it works wonders. I know that some people on here aren't a big fan of Prizms but I love it. I've also heard that Seaclones are very good as well... can't think of any others off the top of my head right now but I'm sure that others will let you know. BTW my tank is also 30 gals

I've had some success ordering from www.vividaquariums.com They have some absoluetly beautiful fish and corals and are fairly cheap. Plus they have a 15 day garauntee on most livestock. HTH and good luck!

 

[mogurnda]

For a tank that size, I'd go with a CPR BakPak or AquaC Remora. The BakPak is very good, and I used one for years on a smaller tank. The Remora is more expensive, but everything I have seen suggests it's an even better skimmer.


I buy almost all my drygoods online at Premium Aquatics. The prices are as good as anywhere else, I have had dozens of shipments worth thousands of dollars, and they have always treated me extremely well. I have also had good experiences with Marine and Reef.

 

[holyherbiness]

I've used both Bak Pak and Remora skimmers on my 10 gallon

CPR BAK PAK's release a ton of microbubbles, especially with the airstone mod, and they're pretty clunky, but they work well, even with the rio 800 pump .

I'm currently using the AquaC on my ten, with the skimmer box. Costs a lot more, but much sleeker looking and works well too.

 

[wattsd]

How loud are these skimmers anyway?? I have seen some that spin the water in a vortex-like action. I hope they don't sound like blender!!!