Recommend A Hob Skimmer For 30g Fowlr?

[TropicDan]

Hi,
I'm setting up my first marine tank probably within this week. It is a 30g long. Going to be running 2 aquaclear 30's for mechanical, and adding about 35lbs live rock, give or take a few lbs. I know it's not necessary at first, but I definitely want to skim. I'm considering the Prizm or SeaClone because of the reasonable price and as far as I've read good testimonials on DrsFS. I did just read a post where people didn't recommend the SeaClone, but I just wanted to give my personal situation and get some feedback.

Any opinions on these skimmers? Any other advice/recommendations?

Thanks in advance.

 

[rabbut]

Prizims aren't worth the plastic they are made of apparently

The SeaColnes work well, but the supplied pump is apparently prone to failing and crashing the tank in doing so. If you get a SeaClone, be shure to swap out the supplied pump with a good one, like a MaxiJet

Second hand Deltec MCE skimmers are worth a look IMO, solid and reliable with a reasonable price when used. AquaMedic aren't bad either

All the best
Rabbut

 

[TropicDan]

Thanks Rabbut, I think I will go with a SeaClone. If you check the following link, it apparently comes with a Maxi-jet...not sure if this is new or what. Thanks again.

SeaClone

 

[rabbut]

The MaxiJet MP1200 is a tad over-powered on the 100 modle IME, as the flow it so fast it stops the bubble trap working, leading to microbubbles in the display tank... Ask them if htey'll swap it for a MP900 and you should be all set This assumes you are either keeping sponges or find bubbles in the tank un-attractive....

 

[SkiFletch]

Can't say I'm a fan of SeaClones. In fact, you could go so far as to say I loathe them . Small, underpowered, low air injection. Liveaquaria moderates their testimonials, it'll be rare you don't see good ones .

Since you're on my side of the pond I'd reccomend an AquaC Remora, or a Tunze 9002 skimmer. The 9002 is internal, but much better quality than a SeaClone. Don't forget to search for a local reef forum, craigslist, or ebay for these items. They last for a while and are decent things to buy used.

 

[TropicDan]

Again thanks for the responses. I've also heard good things about the CPR BakPak 2...anyone have experience with these?
I mean I'm definitely glad I didn't order the SeaClone. Gonna go look up the AquaC and Tunze.

 

[n3ont3tra]

Don't forget to consider space behind your tank.

 

[SkiFletch]

Again thanks for the responses. I've also heard good things about the CPR BakPak 2...anyone have experience with these?
I mean I'm definitely glad I didn't order the SeaClone. Gonna go look up the AquaC and Tunze.

The CPR's are OK. Their main problem is their lack of size and poor air injection system. Better than a seaclone or a redsea prism, but not by much. If you're really into DIY, you can fins lots of mods out there for a CPR which would make it worthwhile but if you want something out of the box plug and play, I'd probably stay away from it.

 

[rabbut]

This said, work's modifyed SeaClone 100 works admirably on a 80ish gal tank... The key, I think, is the pump. It ou performs the AquaMedic HOB's anyway....

 

[SkiFletch]

Yep, it seems there are really only two practical limiting factors to skimmer function: Volume of injected air (to a point), and reaction chamber size. Modifying pumps and air intakes can certainly make up for the deficiencies of SeaClones, Jebos, Prisms, and to a lesser extent CPRs. The reaction chamber size then becomes the limiting factor in skimmer function.

HTH