Hang on Back Protein Skimmer QUESTION

[derekandrenee]

I do some webwork on the side, and one of my clients is going to be sending me $200.00 soon, and I want to buy a new skimmer. Let me give you my specs, what I'm looking for and what I've thought of so far. I would be interested in hearing from ya'll regarding experience with these skimmers.

Thanks in Advance.

16 Gallon Bowfront LPS/Softies tank w/ Percula Clownfish and various inverts.
1 Koralia 1 pump - for circulation
1 Maxi Jet - for circulation
Orbit 20" 80W PC (Day/Actinic/Moonlight)
Current Skimmer - No Name HOB (like Odyssea/Jebo) w/ Maxi Jet Pump
1 HOB Filter - some carbon - for dosing/top off

The current skimmer I have does a decent job, but I am ready to take it to the next level.

I have looked at BakPak's, Octopus, AquaC and ViaAqua models.

The one I have found the best reviews on is:

http://www.aquacave.com/reef-octopus-bh-100f-br-hang-on-back-protein-br-skimmer-with-filter-system-1013.html

It looks good - any thoughts? What about the CPR BakPak Reef and the Aqua C Models? Any advice would be great!!!!

 

[Guest]

aqua c is good but the pump will be sitting inside your tank...so i would go octopus if you dont like the look of the pump sitting inside your tank.

 

[derekandrenee]

Thanks. I've read reviews that the Octopus outperfoms the CPR and Aqua C. And my pump now is 'in' the tank...and I hate it!! So, that helps.

 

[DaveG99]

you could add a 10 gallon sump for very little money and then you could use any skimmer you want. Plus you could place your heater and other stuff in there too.

 

[derekandrenee]

@DaveG99 wrote:

I've thought of the sump idea. BUT, my tank is not drilled and Overflow boxes are ridiculous in price. I plan to setup Fuge/Sump when I move in 6 months and get it all 'situated' - so to speak. So, for now, I just want an HOB Skimmer of high quality to do the trick. Then, I will use it on my Quarantine tank and set up a sump/fuge system for this tank.

 

[DaveG99]

I just set up a hang on back overflow with a 10 gallon sump/fuge on my 40 gallon tank. I paid $49 shipped for the eshopps overflow. But then you have to buy the pump also so your looking at $100 for both pump and overflow.

 

[Jeff]

I just took off an AquaC Remora with a MJ1200 and put in a Tunze DOC 9002 in my 18 gallon tank. The Tunze sits in the tank but takes up a bit less room than having the 1200 in the tank and the skimmers return lip hang over the back. It's also dead silent. The remora was quite noisy compared to the 9002. Also, the 9002's pump is enclosed in the skimmer body so no fear of tank inhabitants or large pieces getting stuck on the intake. I actually have a second one that needs a little TLC and the Remora if you want one of those.

 

[Opus]

The Tunze 9002 is an amazing little skimmer. I have the reefpak 200 kit that comes with the 9002 and love it.

As for good HOB skimmers. The Wariner Marine and Deltcs get great reviews. Both of those are over $200 though.