Skimmer---which one?

[My2heartboys]

I have a 40 gallon breeder tank that is currently a frag/prop tank. It is currently running with a CPR knock off skimmer (second hand). This skimmer is not working so well (duh!!!). Looking at buying a new skimmer only question is which one?

I currently use a CPR on our main tank, so I was hoping to be able to use a different type/brand on the frag/prop tank.

On the frag/prop tank I do not have a sump so I was looking at a HOT type skimmer.

Thanks

Anne

[Poseidon]

Hi Anne, the Aqua C remora series are very nice hang on skimmers, and they are not that expensive. There are also hang on skimmers by Reef Octopus, and Warner Marine. I think even ATB was working on a hang on, but that one may be on the HIGH side of your budget.

[My2heartboys]

OK, wanted to get a WM HX2, problem is that it was $300 .

I guess the question is what is the major difference between needle wheel and other pumps? I know that a maxijet is a magnetic pump, but is it a needle wheel?

man, I am getting a headache.

Anne

[Poseidon]

No, I have not seen a MJ needle wheel or pinwheel for that matter.

Basically you need to mix air and water in a chamber, the most effective methods involve a mesh or pin wheel impellar in a magnetic pump. I have seen people drill holes in the blades of the MJ impellar to get a finer bubble, and that is pretty easy to do. ;)

[My2heartboys]

Yikes!!!! I don't think that is something that I want to do. Those blades are pretty small and fragile.

Can you give me some examples of pumps and skimmers that are HOT that use this method?

Here are the ones that I am looking at. Some feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Precision Marine HOT1 Skimmer w/pump
Octopus Hang-on-the-Back Skimmer
Red Sea Berlin X2 Venturi Protein Skimmer
Deltec External Protein Skimmer MCE300 Kinda priciy
AquaC Remora PRO HOT Skimmer w/Rio1400 Pump
Coralife

Thanks,

Anne

[Poseidon]

I think the Deltec will be head and shoulders above the others, but the REmora pro is the next best. I'll bet you could replace the Rio pump with a MJ and get better performance. I have not seen a pin wheel hang on skimmers, they are just to small.

[My2heartboys]

Well, after reviewing things with DH (dear hubby), here are my inclinations put in order of which one I would go with.

Deltec
Octopus
Remora

The Deltec looks like it would be easier to clean the body of the skimmer as well. In the 4-5 years that I have been doing this (saltwater), all I have had is a CPR bac pack. That thing is so boxy with too much to the inside of the body to really get in there and do the cleaning that needs to be done at least once a year. That boxy design is what I was also hoping to get away from as well.

Also, I remember reading somewhere (can't remember where) that a needle wheel performed better for the electricity consumed vs a venturi. More electricly efficient.

Anne

[kgross]

That is a pretty good list of skimmers. I would say on the Octopus the Bh800S is a very good hang on skimmer, actually the pump is almost to large and many people have to detune it to get it to work well.

Kim

[My2heartboys]

Thanks, all. I settled on the Deltec HOB. If it works good, I might get one for the main tank in a few months.

Sorry for dropping out of sight, but 2 treatments of chemiclean in the main tank this week has had my hands pretty full. Not to mention that it is time to do a massive macro purge. Darn stuff is taking over the tank.....yet.....again......still.

No it is not cheto or calurpa (not the kind that anybody wants anyway). Stuff came in on rock from Florida live rock when I first started up 4-5 years ago and about once to twice a year I have to take the tweezers after it. Stupid tang likes the flake food better and won't eat the macro.