Skimmer question

[clownfishlover]

I'm sorry this may be a dumb question, but what is the difference between an "in-sump" skimmer and a hang on skimmer.

[Poseidon]

In sump means just that.... It sits in the sump. Hang on skimmers hang on the back of your tank, like a power filter. In Sump skimmers are generally more powerful and better then hang on models.

[clownfishlover]

Would it work if I bought a hang on skimmer for a 30 g tank and then eventually use that for a sump setup for a secondary tank for a 72 g bowfront??

[Poseidon]

Depends on what you buy. I like the Aqua C remora pro, or the CPR bak pak, for hang ons. As for in sump, go with MRC, or Barr Aquatic as top of the line. I have a Kent Nautilus, and it works... BUT I am ready to upgrade into one of the ones I mentioned. Trust me, buy it right the first time, it is cheaper then buying TWICE!

[clownfishlover]

Would the Aqua c remora pro be too much for a 30g to start. I have been looking on ebay and the have the remora and the remora pro for around $200. Like you said it's cheaper to buy it right the first time. I would like to use this equipment in the future with the 72g. Do you think the 30g long would work as a secondary tank in the cabinet. Also what would you recommend for powerheads? (Maxi-jet 1200's, if so how many)Thanks,

Mitch

[Poseidon]

I don't think so, I think the remora to be a wise choice! ANd yes the 30 gallon would make a great sump, it is what I use! As far as the powerheads go, we will have to wait to answer that- It depends on what you want to keep, if you have a Deep Sand Bed (DSB) or Bare Bottom (BB). If it is FOWLR (fish only with live rock) or an LPS, SPS, or mixed reef. (Small Polyp Stoney) (Large Polyp Stoney).

[clownfishlover]

Thanks for the help Mike. I plan on doing a deep sand bed and starting with a FOWLR setup. I would eventually like to do a reef setup in the future when I get more experience. I did some looking on ebay and found the Aqua C Remora for around $175. Does this sound like a good price. Also when I go with the 72g setup will this skimmer still work with a sump setup?

Thanks,

Mitch

[Poseidon]

I would get the Remora PRO:

Remora Pro Features:
For tanks over 75 gallons
Dimensions:
-Skimmer Height: 21.5"
-Minimum Tank Height: 12.75"
-Minimum Overhead Clearance for Proper Function: 6.75"
-Depth: 3.25"
-Width: 7.5"
Pump included (you can choose either the Mag 3 or Rio 1400 pump)
For hang-on use only.
Along with the pump, standard equipment includes an adjustable collection cup, and a special baffle system which prevents any bubbles from entering the aquarium.

Most manufacturers over-rate their skimmer potential by a little.

Yes it will still work, it may be hard to hang the skimmer on the sump INSIDE a cabinet though. You could certainly hang it from the back of the display, but that defeats one of the benefits of having a sump.... Hiding all the filters. You may want to consider going without a skimmer and doing frequent water changes until you get that 72. Then you can get a really good in sump model skimmer and be done with it. The remora is a good skimmer, but it makes compromises in order to meet the "hang on" capability.

[clownfishlover]

Do you think that it would be a good idea to just do a DSB with some live rock and a bio-wheel filter for now and go with the skimmer when I get the 72 g in the next year or 2? I actually have a nice bio-wheel system at home not being used.