Default Newbie - need skimmer for 20g reef tank

[nicuz]

I have a 1 week old 20 gallons tank (sand + water). I'd like to keep 2 clowns, 1 cleaner shrimp and 2 soft corals (one will be an anemone).

I recently purchased a Red Sea Prizm Skimmer but I will have to return it because it doesn't work properly and it makes way too much noise.

Here's what I am looking for:
- decent protein skimmer (not top of the line but not the worst)
- type: hang-on
- not too hard to install (I'm a beginner)
- not to noisy
- price range: about $150
- optional: I live in Canada so I would prefer (but not necessarily) a Canadian retailer

I would really appreciate any recommendations.

Nick

 

[MCluett]

DO you plan on putting any live rock in this system? also a skimmer is not needed on a 20gal especially one with such a small bioload

 

[bawel]

Skimmer is really not necessary. I have 28gallon and no skimmer is needed, to control the nitrate you could easily do PWC every 10-14days of about 20-25%, it's good enough and saves you money.

 

[Ziggy953]

I agree. With that sized tank you can easily get away with just doing PWCs rather then adding a skimmer.

 

[melosu58]

I also have to agree. PWC`s in a smaller tank like that will do what you need. With frequent PWC`s you`ll be able to dilute excessive nutrients and add trace elements back in that got used up during fish and coral processes.