[foresteronw]

I have a 125 Gallon tank that is going to be fish only with live rock and I am trying to find a hang on external skimmer. I'm just starting out right now and don't want to break the bank at this time so I would prefer to get something that will get me by for a while until I can upgrade, but I don't want to get something that is worthless either.

Thanks for your help.

[Meric]

Some tough requirements. I have a 125 also. I started with a HOB Skimmer, but ended up building a sump and making my own skimmer.

However these are the HOB models I have tried in order of best to least:

Coralife SuperSkimmer 220
Prism Pro Deluxe

Now the difference between the Coralife and the Prism was not that much as far as amount of sludge they pulled out. Just that the Coralife was so much easier to adjust and work with.

I gave my Prism to a friend that has a 100 gallon tank, she still usues it, and it still pulls much gunk from her tank.

The Coralife is on my Sick Tank.

I have heard good thing about the TurboFlotor 1000 HOB, but you need over 10" clearance on the back of you tank. Also all of these skimmers stick way up over the top of you tank.

[Poseidon]

cheap, skimmer= Oxymoron

Sorry but almost without exception in order to get a quality unit that you will not have to replace later, expect to pay at least $250-300. That is what I spent on my Kent, and I am considering an upgrade! YIKES this hobby is EXPENSIVE!

[Steven Pro]

The Aqua-C Remora Pro is one possibility.

[zhenya]

Originally Posted by Steven Pro

The Aqua-C Remora Pro is one possibility.

I second Steven's comments on the HOB choice, probably one of the best HOB skimmers out there, however, I personally believe that beckett style skimmers are probably the most powerfull and efficient for the money spent. For a 125g tank, if stocked on the heavy side, I think My Reef Creations MR-2 or BarrAquatics models are probably some of the best. I would also put a plug for George Webber( GEO), he makes exellent skimmers as well. As far as budget goes, skimmers are always a tough choice to make, but probably one of the most important pieces of equipment that one needs for a successfull tank vs. fighting never ending nutrients problems.
Having said all that, you can probably get by just fine with the Remora Pro if you stay on top of the water changes and watch your feeding regime (sometimes less is more in this case)

[110galreef]

I have the aqua C remora pro as well. I willbe building a new sump and will have more room. What would be a good upgrade from here.

I have 110g reef w/ moderate fish stcok.

[Tone]

G'day ForesteronW,

'Been reading some of the replies to your post, mate. Seems to be a couple of people at least who have started out with a HOB skimmer and converted to sump. You won't need to break the bank to set up an inexpensive sump and return pump. Get one or two of those cheap plastic storage containers -- stacking types, y'know the ones I mean? However, if you do go HOB and want to convert at a later stage consider the PITA of getting your tank drilled for the overflow. HOB overflows are not much chop if you want to enjoy your tank -- always the worry about the bubble forming in the chamber and killing the flow.

FWIW, my opinion is to go the sump way and put your skimmer in there -- it also opens up a much wider range of choices for your skimmer and the further development of your tank equipment.

Best regards,

Tone

[rball79]

get on ebay and you can pick up a JEBO 180 protein skimmer for about $60 shipped to your door.

[Reefland]

Has anyone heard anything more about MRC doing a HOT beckett skimmer? Seems I recall seeing something about that.