Protein skimmer

[stephen86]

Hi what's the best protein skimmer you can buy that's quite cheap and is quiet?

[Phranque]

Are you looking for HOB or sump? If sump... In-sump or recirculating? How big of a tank?
What's your budget? When it comes to skimmer price, you usually get what you pay for... there's a big difference between "cheap" and good value.

[Redwolf91]

Cheap and quiet, yes, cheap quiet and effective, a harder thing to pull off. As phranque said, big difference. What size are you looking for?

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[stephen86]

Looking for sump don't really have a budget but don't want to spend loads and I don't really know to much about skimmers it will be for a 160g tank

[Phranque]

Well, it's typically recommended that you go "plus 1" on your skimmer size, meaning go a size up from manufacturer's spec over your tank size, but if you've got a lighter to medium bioload, this should do pretty good:
Reef Octopus NWB200 8” Pinwheel In Sump Protein Skimmer - Bulk Reef Supply
I've got the size down from that one (NWB150), and it is a kick-butt skimmer. If you've got, or plan on, a heavier bioload in your tank, you may want something rated at a little higher capacity.