input about CPR skimmers for beginners

[Pauladkj]

Hello everyone, I am a beginner with marine tanks. I have a 55 g, 6 weeks old set up, Berlin style with 3"live sand and so far 46 lbs of live rock. I do not have a skimmer yet and the info out there is too over whelming for me. I liked the site for CPR, and was hoping someone out there could share their expertise with me. I am aiming for a reef tank with just a few fish. Love Anemones and soft corals!!! Can't wait to get some.. Help please!!!

[Reefland]

Hi Paul, Welcome to Reefland!

CPR Bak-Pak are reportedly not a bad skimmer, but not the most effecient skimmers for that size tank either. If it were me, I would spend the extra dollars and get an AquaC or maybe even research the My Reef Creations HOT skimmer they are advertising. Which ever choice you make for the HOT skimmer, spend the additional dollars and get the available bubble trap too, it will save you some headache after it is installed.

[ricksreef]

bak pak's are good little skimmers, but as scott said, a little small
for a 55G. i'd say 30-35G's are their top range.

[James]

I had the duel CPR Backpack on my 55gal. reef tank for about a year and it worked great. Just be sure to purchase the overflo boxes for your powerheads so you can surface skim.

http://www.cpraquatic.com/products/bakpakdp.html