Protein Skimmer?

[Muddy357]

What is the best hang on the back protein skimmer for a 55 gallon tank?

[Ryan S]

It's not the best, but i had an aquac remora hob skimmer on a 75g tank a while back and I thought it did a pretty good job. It came with a nice overflow box that covered the pump as well.

[Max Ivers]

If you want to drop the $$$ for it, the new HOB super reef octopus line is really nice, definitely would be the best option out there for a HOB skimmer.

 

 

[Mando77]

Both Reef Octopus and the Aqua C are nice. I know the Aqua C HOB skimmers are more widely used and I belive they use a simple maxijet powerhead. You can't go wrong with either, but I believe you could find an Aqua C used somewhere and save some money.

[Ryan S]

You can't go wrong with either, but I believe you could find an Aqua C used somewhere and save some money.

 

Agreed. You can usually find them for under $100 used.

 

For example:

 

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2132512

 

or

 

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2115641

Edited February 15, 2012 by Ryan S

[steveoutlaw]

Hands down the Deltec MCE600 outperforms anything on the market. Bankyf has one for sale:

 

http://www.wamas.org/forums/topic/47691-fs-deltec-mce600-hob-skimmer/

 

It may cost a little more, but it is pretty well agreed that you don't want to skimp on your skimmer.

[Mando77]

Yes Deltec, Bubble King and high end products are better quality, but as many reports I have read there is little difference between the other good brands and the aquarium water quality. I think spending alot of money on a skimmer is overkill. Just get a good brand. Don't buy Coral Life or the cheap cheap Petco Petsmart stuff. If you want more production just get a larger skimmer and get a good brand. Some of the skimmer prices are plain crazy. As much as some of the high end skimmers cost they should automatically clean and maintain your tank in some magical way. Reef Octopus and Aqua C are the biggest bang for the buck and I'm sure if you compared the 3 there wouldn't be much of a difference if any at all. Its just as important to keep up with water changes and changing your media.

[zygote2k]

Best bang for the buck HOB skimmer has to be the Skilter. Throw an extra air pump on it and these things rock. It'll beat anything and I'll lay money on it.

[Mando77]

Yeah I had a skilter back in the 80's.