After much reading, most people seem to like the AquaC skimmers, so that's what I'm looking at - unless somebody has a better idea. 
I'd like one that goes in my wet/dry sump (praying it will fit and I'll have room to get the collection cup out), so I'm looking at the AquaC Urchin. I think I prefer that over a HOB type for aesthetic reasons, although if there's a good reason to have one over the other, I'd like to know. I have a 75 gallon tank.
Here's my question. The Urchin says it is for 20-75 gallons (w/Maxi Jet 1200 pump). The Urchin Pro is for 40-120 gallons (Mag 3 pump). Will the Urchin work for my tank or do I need the Pro? Money is tight and I wouldn't be getting a skimmer at all right now if I weren't so sick of the green algae and hadn't just tested way too high on nitrates (& phosphates are at 1) even after a WC yesterday. I'm hoping the skimmer will do the trick.
Next on the wish list is a ro/di, but I can't afford both right now and it seems like the skimmer is the more immediate need. I know people suggest to err on the side of 'too much', but since it's a $60 difference between the 2 Urchin models and I'm already breaking the bank, I'd like some honest opinions on if the cheaper one would be sufficient. Maybe the quality will make up a little for having just barely enough power?
Also, this model will work in my wet/dry, correct? Does it draw the water from the bottom so I don't have to have my sump too full? I don't like having a bunch of water in there, to avoid an overflow if the power were to shut off. I usually have about 7 1/2" of water in there to keep my return pump covered with some extra in case I forget to top off for a few days.
I do have a question about my nitrate 'spike', but I'll start another topic for that.
Thanks for any help!
Jodi W
I'd like one that goes in my wet/dry sump (praying it will fit and I'll have room to get the collection cup out), so I'm looking at the AquaC Urchin. I think I prefer that over a HOB type for aesthetic reasons, although if there's a good reason to have one over the other, I'd like to know. I have a 75 gallon tank.Here's my question. The Urchin says it is for 20-75 gallons (w/Maxi Jet 1200 pump). The Urchin Pro is for 40-120 gallons (Mag 3 pump). Will the Urchin work for my tank or do I need the Pro? Money is tight and I wouldn't be getting a skimmer at all right now if I weren't so sick of the green algae and hadn't just tested way too high on nitrates (& phosphates are at 1) even after a WC yesterday. I'm hoping the skimmer will do the trick.
Next on the wish list is a ro/di, but I can't afford both right now and it seems like the skimmer is the more immediate need. I know people suggest to err on the side of 'too much', but since it's a $60 difference between the 2 Urchin models and I'm already breaking the bank, I'd like some honest opinions on if the cheaper one would be sufficient. Maybe the quality will make up a little for having just barely enough power?
Also, this model will work in my wet/dry, correct? Does it draw the water from the bottom so I don't have to have my sump too full? I don't like having a bunch of water in there, to avoid an overflow if the power were to shut off. I usually have about 7 1/2" of water in there to keep my return pump covered with some extra in case I forget to top off for a few days.
I do have a question about my nitrate 'spike', but I'll start another topic for that.
Thanks for any help!
Jodi W
