Protein Skimmer Help

[Juiced19]

I am setting up a 55 Gallon Reef Aquarium. Do i need a Marineland Canister filter rated for 100 Gallons or a 150 Gallon Seaclone Protein skimmer. or both? Thanks

 

[little_fish]

I wouldnt get either. I would look at the reef octopus skimmers. The canister filters are a freshwater invention that dont work very well in saltwater tanks and i dont think the sea clone skimmers work well at all. But you do want to get a skimmer that is rated for at least twice your tank volume.

 

[Juiced19]

can i get a link to one that isnt to pricey. Thanks!

 

[Juiced19]

I wouldnt get either. I would look at the reef octopus skimmers. The canister filters are a freshwater invention that dont work very well in saltwater tanks and i dont think the sea clone skimmers work well at all. But you do want to get a skimmer that is rated for at least twice your tank volume.

And how many gallons should i get. 100 Gallon skimmer or a 150 Gallon skimmer?

 

[little_fish]

100 would work fine. But skimmer are you get what you pay for, cheap skimmer are cheap skimmer. They often do little to nothing or are prone to other failures. If you are concerned about saving money, i would look into building an algae scrubber. They are much cheaper to build, and IMO work just as well as a skimmer.

Here are some links on scrubbers,
https://www.livingreefs.com/mega-powerful-nitrate-and-phosphate-remover-diy-t16734.html

https://www.livingreefs.com/build-algae-scrubber-t32422.html


And here is a great example of a scrubber at work
https://www.livingreefs.com/bl1s-75g-upgrade-t27931p16.html

 

[fastrd400]

Hang on Back HOB Reef Octopus Protein Skimmers

 

[Juiced19]

what about this?

Reef Octopus BH 100 Hang on Back Protein Skimmer - AquaCave

 

[Juiced19]

and also will it get in the way of my light?

AquaticLife T5 HO 6-Lamp Light Fixture w/ Lunar LEDs

 

[agould53]

I just installed a Reef Octopus BH-2000 ($180). Selected it based on consistantly good reviews here and elsewhere. Seems to be doing great so far.