Protein skimmer for a 29 gal SW setup

[water978]

I have a 29 gal SW tank. Live rock, live sand, a Cascade 500 canister filter, 2 Powersweep pumps, 7 crabs, 5 snails, and 2 damsels.
I want to add some coral and fish but need to upgrade my lighting (I have just a two florescent bulb hood). I'm on disability so money is extremely limited.
First things first though: I need to put on a protein skimmer. The HOT are all $150.00+. I can make an in-sump type but do I need a sump for such a small tank? If not I don't know how to make an HOT type. Anyone have any suggestions??

 

[Overstocker]

You can find cheaper skimmers at www.bigalsonline.com

http://www.bigalsonline.com/catalog/parent_category.xml?category_id=3203;pcid1=

 

[water978]

thanks for the info on Big Al's. Good prices!

 

[captivereefs]

go with a Aqua C remora or a cpr bak pakIIR The ed sea prizms and Seaclones are pretty poor and i think you would not be happy with them. And remember you can save 6% on my site with coupon code AQUARIUMADVICE.

 

[water978]

Thank you for info on your www. Coupon too! I looked into the BakPakt but I have a piece of glass on top of the aquarium. The outflow on the BakPak is too big around to fit with the glass. I was looking into a turboflotor 1000. It goes in a sump. (thought if I built a sump or refugium it would increase the volume of the tank)...perhaps a better idea. Any thoughts?

 

[captivereefs]

The remora may fit. If you give me the dimensions you need it to fit into i can tell you if it would work. I have the All glass glass top on a small 26 i have and the remora fits great!