Questions about protien skimmers

[CleverBs]

I want toget a skimmer but am unsure if skimmer rated for 30gallons will do the job for a 25 gallon tank? I'm working with limited space and don't have 150$ to spend on a skimmer. I found one. For 60$ on foster and smith that is rated 30 gallons is this large enough or should I keep lookimg?

 

[carey]

I would keep looking. You want a skimmer that is rated for double your water volume usually.

Are you having any particular issues with your tank that makes you want a skimmer? With a 30g tank you should be doing fine if you do your weekly water changes.

 

[CleverBs]

My nitrates are always high and I want a coral beauty so I want to keep the water quality high so it doesn't get sick.

There's one thats rated for 100 gallons that is only 90$

 

[carey]

Well nitrates should be handled with water changes and not overfeeding or overstocking.

Do you have a sump or did you need a hang on skimmer? Van you link the one you mentioned?

 

[CleverBs]

I do 2 water changes a week. I would just like to get a skimmer. Here's the link. Aquarium Filtration & Water Quality: SeaClone Protein Skimmer

 

[carey]

To be honest, I havent heard a single good thing about those skimmers. Since you linked a hang on one I'm assuming you dont have a sump. How about this skimmer

Reef Octopus BH 100 Hang on Back Protein Skimmer - AquaCave

OR

Bak-Pak 2 Reef Ready Hang-On Protein Skimmer by CPR Aquatics - AquaCave

OR

Hydor Slim Skim Protein Skimmer - AquaCave

 

[CleverBs]

That skimmer would at least fit behind my tank. I only have a max of 5 inches behind my tank assuming I move it forward. Right now I have 4 inches and I would like to not move it.

 

[CleverBs]

The octopus would work. A bit more then I wanted to spend but thats ok I think. I may call me lfs and. See if they have one for sale still. They had one a week ago.

 

[carey]

The octopus comes highly rated. For the extra money in my opinion for sure worth it.

 

[CleverBs]

Ok well I think that is what I'll get for my skimmer. I just think my tank would be better off with a skimmer and a bit easier me so I can give enough time to all my tanks. Also I want to feed my coral beauty 3 times a day to avoid coral nipping as much as possible. At least I read this works rather well

 

[carey]

A skimmer will never hurt. Only good things can happen if you get one.

I feed my biocube 2 times a day so I know about parameters slipping. lol I still havent added a skimmer to it yet though and water changes have been doing the job.

Good luck, let us know how it works out for you!

 

[melosu58]

Moved to General Hardware and equipment discussion.

 

[austinsdad]

Feeding 3 times a day is asking for more trouble than the coral nipping IMO. I'd suggest giving up the coral or the angel.

 

[CleverBs]

ended up getting the octopus with a external pump that should make for less micro bubbles.