skimmer i can afford

[pezis4u]

Hi, I have a 90 gallon reef. I have had it for about 4 years. 3 years I had a seaclone skimmer...it died last year. I want a bak pack but just can't afford it. The funny thing is that my water quality isn't too bad, everything is great except my nitrates are between 5-10. So here's my question...is there a cheap skimmer that is worth buying? Cheap meaning $100 or less. Or is it just not worth it to buy cheap and wait the year or so till I can afford a higher end skimmer. ANy help would be appreciated. Leah

[CSeaSee]

Try checking out e-Bay- there are CPR Bak-paks on there (new factory seconds) from time to time- super cheap. There are other skimmers on there as well. That's how I got my BakPak- love it, no problems whatsoever.

[zhenya]

Hi Leah,

If you could swing it, get the better skimmer the first time instead of going the cheapy route. You get what you paid for, as you know it I'm sure, but I think something like AquaC Remora with a maxijet for a pump could be just a ticket. I think Premium Aquatics sells it for $163.00 with the small rio pump. You can always just buy a maxijet 1200 power head and hook it up yourself.
Also, have you checked out for sale or trade forum?

[almostdiva]

I second the remora w MaxiJet. It's what I have on my 55G and it is great. You can shop around a bit and save 10 or 20 bucks here or there. Marine Depot will run a 20% off sale pretty regularly. As gene said, if you just get the skimmer (no pump) then get the maxijet on your own, that's right in your price ballpark.

Rebecca

[reseter5]

i have been using a berlin classin that has been great to me.. the only thing with the berlins is you need to use a larger pump than recomended...

[luke33]

The remora pro is outdated and overpriced. Its not worth $50 imo. Get a typhoon from D & D marine. Its only 59.99 on ebay or 70 at Drfs. It will pull a cup of black skimmate a day from your tank. Its a very good underpriced skimmer. FInally a hot that actually works well thats cheap.

[roddey]

On the next thread I show a skimmer that I got off ebay for 120 dollars with pump shipped on ebay. Its the 520 jebo. I havnt got it hooked up yet though to try it out.