Protein skimmers

[Still_human]

I need a new skimmer for my 55 reef. I WAS using a seaclone 100(I adore the seaclones, I don’t get why people don’t like them), but after many years something was wrong with it so I switched to a RedSea Venturi X2 which is collecting crud, but algae is growing worse than I’ve ever seen anywhere in my life, so I need a new HOB easy, cheapish, good quality skimmer. Purely by looks I was considering these 2, and wanted any input on them or just to give u an idea of what I’m looking for. The unreachable power head makes me uncomfortable, in case it needs a good smack to get it going again, or something.

[phlynamjax]

I think you can reach the powerhead by removing the skimmer cup. I would see if you can find a used AquaC Remora skimmer too.

[Still_human]

I actually have a remora on another tank. I do like it, but prefer not to go the used route, cause I’m just too afraid to get something problematic. Does anyone have any other suggestions. I’d really PREFER not to spend $300ish if there’s $150ish ones that are more than good enough for 65ish gallons(that needs more than just barely strong enough lol)

[YHSublime]

Does it have to be a HOB, or do you have a sump? If it's HOB, then I have no idea. If it doesn't have to be:

 

I've had a Reef Octopus 110 INT for the better part of a decade that I bought used. It still pulls like a champ. 

[Still_human]

13 hours ago, YHSublime said:

Does it have to be a HOB, or do you have a sump? If it's HOB, then I have no idea. If it doesn't have to be:

 

I've had a Reef Octopus 110 INT for the better part of a decade that I bought used. It still pulls like a champ. 

Yes, unfortunately it’s gotta be a HOB, my sump is small and can’t fit a good sump skimmer in with the rest of the sump stuff:(

[DaJMasta]

Have you looked at the Tunze Comline DOC line?  On the more expensive side, but while in-sump, they have a very small footprint - I think the 9004 will fit in many AIO rear chambers.  Especially if you can find a deal on them, they're known to run well too.

[YHSublime]

5 hours ago, Still_human said:

Yes, unfortunately it’s gotta be a HOB, my sump is small and can’t fit a good sump skimmer in with the rest of the sump stuff:(

 

Well, take a look at the RO 110 INT, it's a small footprint for small spaces. Good luck! 

[Still_human]

In a slightly different direction, can anyone recommend a HOB nano skimmer? I’ve only found a few at all. This is for a biocube 11(0r 13?) but I’m leaving the top off in order to have a good light and a HOB skimmer to not take up ANY more of the tiny tank space.

 

as for the bigger skimmer, my original query, unfortunately it HAS to be HOB, my sump has so little space to begin with, and I dumped live rock/live rubble in one too-small-chamber and the other one is taken up by the pump, my hand can’t even fit past the pump:(

[DaJMasta]

There's next to nothing that's truly effective in a very small tank that's a HOB, at least from when I looked.  There is the QQ1 which is one of the few that don't have garbage reviews, but generally, for small tanks, there seem to be few skimmer options because the best option is always water changes.  Even then, the few options there are, are internal, not external.

[YHSublime]

1 hour ago, DaJMasta said:

there seem to be few skimmer options because the best option is always water changes.  

 

This right here.