Skimmer for 29 Bio Cube...

[JC_UF_ITK]

Can anyone recommend a good, but inexpensive skimmer for a 29 gallon Bio Cube? I was going to remove the filter floss and bio balls over time and was told to get a skimmer. Thanks.

[griss]

What do you mean by inexpensive? Can you provide a price range that is acceptable for you?

[JC_UF_ITK]

Griss, I'm not really sure. I've been told by some to ditch my bio balls and filter and just use a skimmer and then others say not to get a skimmer and just keep up with regular water changes. I'm still trying to get a general consensus. If I were to buy a skimmer, I would like for it to be ~$150 if that's possible.

[griss]

The reason people are telling you to ditch the bio balls is that they are VERY good at converting ammonia to nitrite and nitrite to nitrate, thus producing a lot of nitrate in your tank. If you don't have a refugium or other method to reduce the nitrates, you'll most likely end up with an algae problem.

So, skimming is a way to remove dissolved organic material from your water before it gets converted into nitrate. Also, doing regular water changes will work.

Personally, I would use a skimmer AND do regular water changes on the tank.

A good, reputable skimmer that is just a bit above your price range is the AquaC Remora

[griss]

The CPR BakPak is a little less money, but not as good as the Remora IMO.

[drummereef]

A Remora would be a good choice but you could really get away without a skimmer on tank that size. Keep up with your weekly 10-15% water changes and you'll be fine.

[griss]

Originally posted by drummereef
A Remora would be a good choice but you could really get away without a skimmer on tank that size. Keep up with your weekly 10-15% water changes and you'll be fine.

True. I just prefer having a skimmer as a backup to water changes

[daven]

I've been running my 29 biocube with a Sapphire Aquatics skimmer for more than 6 months now. Works fine. Fits in the middle back chamber. Price has gone up since I bought it.

www.sapphireaquatics.com

[der_wille_zur_macht]

FWIW, the Remora is a great skimmer, and there are a LOT of them out there. If you want one, keep your eye on the classifieds - they come up from time to time at about half the new cost, which makes them an absolutely unbeatable bargain.

[griss]

Originally posted by der_wille_zur_macht
FWIW, the Remora is a great skimmer, and there are a LOT of them out there. If you want one, keep your eye on the classifieds - they come up from time to time at about half the new cost, which makes them an absolutely unbeatable bargain.

Okay, who left the door of the Lounge open? der_wille_zur_macht, back in the Lounge with you

[der_wille_zur_macht]

Sorry griss. I've got split personalities. One of them has a serious interest in helping newcomers and as such, likes to hang out in here. Don't tell these folk that I'm a lounge regular, they might not take me seriously.

[griss]

[JC_UF_ITK]

Thanks for the info. Would the Remora fit in the back chamber of the BC without mods?

[daven]

As far as I know the Sapphire skimmer is the only one that fits without mods. I know the Tunze3 Nano DOC fits except for the collection cup. Some people use a dremel to get the cup to fit. Not recommended if you already have your tank up.

I don't know much about the Remora but it seems to be a hang on back skimmer and I don't think it is made to be submerged which it would be in the middle back compartment.

[Savas]

Will this same skimmer fit an Aquapod 24? My Fission skimmer is junk.