external protein skimmers

[morishidle]

i was wondering if anyone had used external skimmers and what kind they use and how good they work

[CruzinKim]

Depending on your budget, the high end high performance recirculating skimmers (can be install in sump or externally) are Bubbleking, H&S, Deltec and Euroreef. The more moderately price good performance is DAS. All these are needlewheel style skimmers.

Just depends on your budget and whether noise or energy efficiency is of concern.

[kodyboy]

second DAS, H&S is great too but not cheap:)

[mg426]

Agreed.

[Reef Sponger]

The H&S external skimmer that I'm using is so far the best skimmer I've used on my tank. From all the threads on recirculating needlewheel skimmers and gravity feeding them directly from the tank's overflows, you couldn't get a more optimal skimming situation. In general, you're probably going to get more responses from owners that these perform very well. BUT then it depends on which skimmer company for what size tank and bioload. Sizing is very important to get good performance and you cannot trust the manufacturer's ratings. Some over optimistic, others are exaggerated, while some just flat out lie. :lol:

[pjf]

Is there a good way to get air bubbles out of the overflow line leading to the skimmer? Is this necessary?

[kdblove_99]

DAS