Newbie Needs Help Choosing a Skimmer!

DogfoodEnforcer · #1 09/05/2007, 01:47 AM

hi everyone. ive been a member here for a bit but havent really posted much of anything. now im finally taking a step off the deep end in to the world of marine aquariums. ive decided on my lights and now only need to pick a protein skimmer.

the tank will be anywhere between a 35gallon and a 50 gallon. i INTEND to have live rock, sand, and eventually some soft corals or anenomes and a few fish, but nothing crazy. i dont have space for a sump right now, but MIGHT add one eventually. i know HOT/HOB skimmers arent the best, but that's all i can do right now.

ive narrowed it down to a few choices (but am open to others!). please be honest and let me know what skimmer you think would be the best for me.

the choices (so far):

Aqua C Remora Pro

Aquamedic Turboflotor 1000 multi

Bak Pak 2R+

any other skimmers you would recommend?

the one thing i dont like about the remora is the fact that you can't adjust anything. you plug it in and hope for the best. ive read good and bad about it...so not sure what to believe.

the aquamedic is more expensive, but from what ive heard it is very nice and efficient. can you purchase a surface skimmer box for it? or does it come with one or is it not needed? also, what is up with the big sticky-outy things...it's like two big black boxes...that looks like it might get in the way! i dont know if it's an skimmer box or what...but i dont understand why there are two of them.lol

for the 1000 multi do you need to buy an extra pump, or is the pump included? i checked another site and it says the pump is included...so i assume that is a good thing!lol
http://www.marineandreef.com/shoppro/protein_skimmers_AquaMed.html

the bak pak is the cheapest, and ive heard both good and bad things about it.

im having a really hard time deciding on what skimmer to get. i keep going back and forth with my choices.

i was reading something else about a needle something skimmer...would that be any better?

i also have a question for lighting. the fixture im ordering comes with 2 10,000K white bulbs, and 2 actinics. i was going to order some replacements as well, but im not sure what the best mix to have is. any suggestions?

thanks in advance for the help!

kodyboy · #2 09/05/2007, 07:41 AM

get a D&D marine typhoon, cheaper and more than enough for a 30-50 gallon tank

JetCat USA · #3 09/05/2007, 07:49 AM

check out a Tunze 9002, not too costly and a great skimmer up to 50ish gallon.

DogfoodEnforcer · #4 09/06/2007, 05:56 PM

what about the 9005? or would that be overkill?

is the 9002 an "in tank" model as well?

JetCat USA · #5 09/06/2007, 06:36 PM

the 9005 is twice as wide as the 9002, both are 'in tank' but aren't that much of a distraction.

DogfoodEnforcer · #6 09/07/2007, 06:56 PM

which one would you recommend for a 50 gallon tank?

JetCat USA · #7 09/07/2007, 07:25 PM

from the above post:

Quote:

Originally posted by JetCat USA
check out a Tunze 9002, not too costly and a great skimmer up to 50ish gallon.

Wrench · #8 09/07/2007, 08:16 PM

I'd look into the Octopus skimmers or an ASM. You'd be overskimming, but it leaves plenty of room for when you get a larger tank. Not if, when

Wrench · #9 09/07/2007, 08:19 PM

oops, didn't realize you were looking for HOB.