Skimmer on a 50 gallon reef?

[ChiTownRomeo]

Just wondering would a skimmer be needed on a 50 gallon reef. I have 60 pounds of live rock and 65 pounds of tropic eden live sand. I do 15% water change every Sunday after the Chicago Bears Game cause I love my sand looking clean lol. Would it make sense to spend $300 on a skimmer when I hear W/C are much better.

 

[Mrc8858]

You could get by without a skimmer on a 50 but I wouldn't.... The material it will pull out of the water will pay for itself in water changes and water quality in no tome if you ask me. I wouldnt go akimmerless on anything bigger then 30 gallons.

 

[Rosesrblu1]

I just picked up an eshopps psk100h for my 54g reef. Didn't set up yet, but eagerly awaiting. Have to mod my lights first...I would def get a skimmer for a reef.


Good luck

 

[daney90]

You can get in sump skimmer or Hang on the Back. though its not necessary to have one but its highly recommended

 

[Rosesrblu1]

I had to do the hob because I didn't have room in the sump. These corner tanks lack space under the tank. I did however get an oversized skimmer for my tank size. The hob eshopps seem to be the best hob based on the reviews. If I had room down below, I would have certainly went for an in sump model.

 

[ChiTownRomeo]

Ok I'll order the Aquamaxx hob-1 today. I HATE this film on top of the water. I'm in an apartment and the landlord was already skeptical about the tank but said it was ok but I can't have a sump. So i'll use a hob skimmer. I just hate this film on the surface!!

 

[Gregcoyote]

Try pointing a power head so it disturbs the surface. That will help kick debris into the surface skimmer.

 

[ChiTownRomeo]

Try pointing a power head so it disturbs the surface. That will help kick debris into the surface skimmer.

No sump and no surface skimmer... no other way to get this film off?

 

[Animal-Chin]

You could get creative like putting a filterpad into a fish net and swooshing it around or something like that. if dust is settling on your water its cause your surface isn't being disturbed enough. Do you have a powerhead or a hydor pump in your reef? Point it more upwards so it just breaks the surface of the water, it's stop this film...

 

[ChiTownRomeo]

You could get creative like putting a filterpad into a fish net and swooshing it around or something like that. if dust is settling on your water its cause your surface isn't being disturbed enough. Do you have a powerhead or a hydor pump in your reef? Point it more upwards so it just breaks the surface of the water, it's stop this film...

WOW!! Great idea. I have a open top tank and the Hydors are blowing on the live rock. Ill put some filter fiber in a net and skim the surface!! Thanks alot!!