getting protein skimmer and other ?s

[GoinSalt]

After 8 months, I'm finally going to add a protein skimmer for my 100 gal FOWLR. I am currently on vacation in Florida (West Palm Beach) and don't know what to expect from my tank when i get home.

Just before I left, my ammonia and nitrites spiked off the charts for unexplainable reasons.Did a couple of 20% water changes, added some ammo lock and hoped for the best. Lost my flame angel but everyone else looked OK.

Anyway, what do people suggest for skimmers? There are a lot out there. I was also wondering, if I go wioth a skimmer, can I turn my wet-dry into a true sump and ditch my cannister filter?

I think my best option would be an external skimmer, then possibly an in-sump, last resort would be HOT since the openings on the top of the tank are cut in the middle of top.

Any feedback would be appreciated.

Nate

[Samper]

I'd go with a Euro Reef skimmer one of the 5 series would be fine.

[Reefland]

I would suggest that you convert your wet/dry into a sump and get a large powerful skimmer. AquaC EV series, Euro Reef and My Reef Creations are all good skimmer sto consider. Also make sure you consider a good pump to power it.

[GoinSalt]

Well, got back from Florida tonight to find out my tank crashed and lost all livestock. So, I'm starting over. Skimmer is at top of the list.

I was wondering what I have to do to restart things. Could the live rock go bad? Can I still use it in the main tank or should I maybe transfer it to any new sump that I use? Should I give the whole tank a good scrubbing (walls, etc) or just recycle the tank?The LR is full of brown algae, as is the substrate. I had a very shallow layer of of sand, could that have caused my ammonia and nitrite levels to shoot off the charts?

Anyway, I guess this crash makes me an official saltwater keeper?

Nate