Building my first reef tank

[SerLunchbox]

Well, taking a dive into the reef system (after the wife has told me that she wants one sooner rather then later) i have decided to go with one of 2 skimmers but can't make a real decision of either one.

They are both phenominal quality (don't wanna skimp on the skimming).

So what do i have a decision on?
well it is this model of skimmer http://www.jlaquatics.com/phpstore/s...ct_ID=ps-pmbp2
or it is this model of skimmer http://www.jlaquatics.com/phpstore/s..._ID=DD-PS0600F

As for light (if that matters) i have already purchsed http://www.sunlightsupply.com/aquari...tml#mariblack2

the 3 foot model with 2X 250W halides (getting 14,000K bulbs for them as well since the 2 actinics probably won't be enough blue spectrum light)

There is no set expected date of completion but i am hoping it will be sooner rather then later (given the prices of certain things).

Thanks for any advice

[dskidmore]

I'm not familiar with those models, but in general if you can fit it in your sump/cabinet, the taller the better. A shorter, wider one may be able to run as much water, but the hang time for each individual bubble will be less. Some theories say it's the hang time of the individual bubble, not the number of bubbles a particular "dirt" molecule encounters that increases the rate of picking up some difficult to skim compounds.

[austinsdad]

Wow, those are really pricey. Check these out. I've been hearing great things about these spray injection type skimmers. What sized tank you goona do?

[melosu58]

They look OK, But how do you know about the quality unless you or someone else has used one. Dont go by what the seller says only.

[SerLunchbox]

They look OK, But how do you know about the quality unless you or someone else has used one. Dont go by what the seller says only.

Well That is why i have whittled it down from hundreds of skimmers to these 2. It was all based on what people have said about the quality of the bullet skimmer and of the Deltec type of skimmer. Bubble king is just a little TOO pricey for me in all honesty (about double the price of the deltec skimmer.

What sized tank you goona do?

I am HOPING to do a 50-60 gallon tank ... all depends on what i get for dimensions of the tank that i want ... the height will be about 18-24" high, the length will be 36" or so (i think i can go a bit wider with the lights that i have) and then i will probably go with a depth of about 18"-22"