Skimmer question for 29g reef

[ghurlag]

I have NO idea what I should do about a skimmer on my 29g.  I would like to be as inexpensive as possible, while also being effective.  If I have a sump/refuge, and then add this guy http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+4392+3641&pcatid=3641&s=lh, is that gonna do anything for me, or is it a waste?  If I don't go this route, I would like the skimmer to be in the sump somewhere.  Any ideas on this?

[Reefd Up]

Pretty much 99% of the smaller skimmers aren't even the shipping cost IMHO.  With a smaller tank, you're usually just better off doing more mechanical means of filtration (more frequent water changes, filter material, etc) than adding a skimmer that might pull out a teensy bit of skimmate for that sort of cost.  

The best skimmer I've found for smaller tanks is the Tunze 9002 (in-sump skimmer).  I have two of them, and they're worth their weight in gold.  There are are at least two versions...an old one and a new design.  The new design is much better, but the old ones are still really really good (I have both.)  They're fairly easy to adjust, aren't complicated at all, and are pretty tiny (except the cup...that's my only complaint).  They're a bit pricey for small skimmers (usually run about $130-150 online) but shop around for a used one.  Used ones are in the $50-$90 range usually.  I can't brag on these skimmers enough for how great they are in such a small package.  Plus, you can't beat Tunze's customer service!!!  

Here's a quick link to the details (ask around with our sponsors if you're interested...they might be able to get you a good price):
http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_viewitem.aspx?idproduct=TZ5311&child=TZ5311&utm_source=mdcsegooglebase2&utm_medium=cse&utm_campaign=mdcsegooglebase2&utm_content=TZ5311

[ghurlag]

Thanks for the recommendations.  I'll look into that this weekend.  I'm leaning toward the skimmer being a later purchase, and relying more on mech. filtration at least early on, but I want to do it right for reef health, aesthetics, and my bank account

[Reefd Up]

No kidding.  I went 6 months without a skimmer due to cost restraints - doing 10% weekly water changes...and using de-chlorinated tap water (huge no-no!!!) and then broke out with a horrible case of hair algae.  Took another 6 months of a skimmer, remote deep sand bed, GFO reactor, etc to clear it all up.  If you're using good RO/DI water, you should be ok for a while with good husbandry elsewhere without a skimmer.  Don't recommend it, but it's possible.  Just keep your bio-load down (don't have a ton of fish and feed heavy...and avoid non-photosynthetic corals as they require heavy feeding as well). 

In the design of your sump, I'd look into adding a section for a deep sand bed (think like 6-10").  That will help as a nitrate sink later on. 

[Kenn]

I have used this skimmer in my 26 with great success:

http://www.marinedepot.com/AquaticLife_Internal_Mini_Protein_Skimmer_115_In_Sump_Venturi_Protein_Skimmers-AquaticLife-AK01114-FIPSISVS-vi.html

However I must admit ...I just picked up a MSO BHF300F from Rob at Marine solutions and LOVE it:

http://www.marinesolutionsinc.com/catalog/Protein-Skimmers-MSO-Skimmers/c22_35/p134/MSO-BHF300F/product_info.html

My avatar is of the 26G running the AquaticLife Internal Mini Protein Skimmer 115

Here is an clip from an old post:


I love it. I was a little timid myself , but after doing a little research I decided to buy it and have almost no complaints. I took a little over 3 days to start putting out dry foam that was dark enough to make me happy, but I had expected it to take a while to "Break In".

One complaint is the air flow adjustment knob is a little short but easy to mod if needed. Can be hard to adjust if your hands are wet because its tight. However because of the tightness you are able to fine tune the air flow really well.

All that being said.Due to how high the waste cup stands above water I don't think it would fit in an Aquapod unless the tank was modified. But since I don't own one I could easyly be wrong  Grin

So here are a few pictures of mine installed:





PLEASE NOTE :

When I took these pictures I had just completed a water change and the skimmer always runs a little wet right after a change.





Hope that any of this helps

~Kenn