Cheaper protein skimmer?

[jaycie]

I have a 29 gal. tank and was considering the CPR Bak Pak 2. Is there a cheaper skimmer that will work as well on my tank? Not that $130 is expensive, but just money is money. Also do I need the one with the Bio Bale? I have a Aquaclear HOB and live rock(1.5 lbs per gallon) Also, has anyone ordered off ebay? Pros and cons? TIA!

 

[flanque]

Well I have a ViaAqua multi-skimmer and it was the cheapest quality one I could find. It's actually a multi-skimmer in the sense it does filtration also.

I have a 55G tank and ut claims to be able to handle the filtration for that and more if I recall.

 

[jaycie]

Thanks falnque. Does anyone else have any opinions?

 

[theatrus]

Besides trying DIY, you won't find anything cheaper which works as well. I'd go for the BakPak.

 

[tecwzrd]

I've heard good things about the BakPak as well. You also might want to consider the Coralife Super Skimmer (needle wheel) which also would be fine for a 29 gal tank.

 

[Scottm]

I like my berlin airlift 60. some people say it requires constant adjustment but it has worked fine so far for me.

 

[sango]

When it comes to skimmers you get what you pay for.. If your short on funds you could try the cpr bak pak or try the coralife skimmer.

 

[malkore]

try www.amekaaquatics.com and look at their Factory Seconds. can get a cpr bak-pak that might have a cosmetic blemish, but is otherwise completely functional for $104 last time I checked.

Whatever you do, no Skilter's and no RedSea Prism skimmers.

 

[jaycie]

Thanks guys, I think I'll go with the Bak Pak. It's usually not the cost of the skimmer($130 or so) but the cost of shipping to Hawaii. Any online stores with good shpping rates? Thanks again.

 

[nycfatcow]

i would honestly get the best skimmer that you could afford...a good skimmer comes a longgg way