anatomy of a protein skimmer

billium · #1 05/04/2005, 03:54 PM

So i am trying to determine which protein skimmer to get for my 40 gallon tank. I am a student = very poor so I am trying to get something that will work well enough for a low bio load. 3 small fish(1-1.2" each). I was looking at the bak pak skimmer which seems like it might work well enough but as far as i can tell between the skimmers i have looked at, they are all just collection vessles for the bubbles produced by the pump.

my qustion is are the pumps interchangeable, ie. can i get a cheaper skimmer with a better pump for better results? also are certain pumps designed for skimmers so that they have a snorkel attatchment? thanks for your help.

Maxxumless · #2 05/04/2005, 03:58 PM

KNOP - Excalibur (HOB version) is better than CPR and is around the same price. The sump version is less than the CPR.

Julio · #3 05/04/2005, 03:59 PM

prizm skimmers will work very well on a small tank with low bioload. Some skimmers will allow you to upgarde to a bigger pump with have it work much faster and effecient then again you will need to get into brand and model, external or hang on......so on.

billium · #4 05/04/2005, 05:01 PM

i am looking at hang on skimmers, and if i understand correctly you can't get any pump to fit any skimmer?

rufio173 · #5 05/04/2005, 05:07 PM

You technically could, but you'd have to do some sort of modding depending on skimmer and pump. Some pumps would also be too powerful for smaller skimmers.

Peace,
John H.

skipm · #6 05/04/2005, 05:18 PM

If there is any way you could ssave up for it I would go for an AquaC Remora with a MaxiJet 1200. I have one and love it. It is very quiet and skims quite well.
Since it sounds like funds are limited you may want to keep an eye on the selling forum here, I have seen skimmers for sale pretty regularly by reefers that are upgrading to a larger skimmer or going from a hang-on to a sump model. Good luck, Skip

billium · #7 05/04/2005, 05:55 PM

thanks for all the advice, i'll keep my eye out for a remora but they seem to go for around 150 on e-bay which is a little much for me.

dwturpin · #8 05/04/2005, 06:03 PM

I will tell you for true, Do not buy a sea clone skimmer. You will just be wasting you money.

Zoom · #9 05/04/2005, 06:41 PM

This one is very good for a small tank you need a nice pump with it and you are set the only thing is it goes inside your tank.
http://oceanencounter.com/Merchant2/...tegory_Code=AM

http://oceanencounter.com/Merchant2/...tegory_Code=AM

masson · #10 05/04/2005, 06:51 PM

http://www.marineandreef.com/shoppro...s_coralife.htm

rufio173 · #11 05/04/2005, 09:41 PM

Those coralife skimmers have been getting pretty decent reviews for the price you pay for them.