New to sw tanks:Need skimmer info

[Jabrown7]

So I just inherited a 40 gallon acrylic tank. I'm doing all the research before I set it up. I wanted to know about what type of skimmer would be sufficient for my tank. When I ask people at shops (obviously) they try to sell me one for like a 200 gallon tank. I was just wondering what I should go with and how often to use it. I've read several places that it is only needed in the initial set up and when water is changed. Any input is greatly appreciated.

[jsnoravo]

Using one rated for a 200g tank isn't bad but it's definitely overkill and most likely won't fit under your stand (unless you don't care). On that same note you don't wanna buy one with a max rating too close to your tank size. It's sort of the same concept as when buying a filter rated for up to 100 gallons is not enough for a 100g tank. The unspoken rule of thumb is to aim for a gph rating twice your tank size. I think if you aim for a rating of 100-125 gallons it's not too much or too little for your size tank.

[Zulaab]

I know that ADG used equipment sale coming very soon. There will be a PM Bullet-1 and Bullet 2's on there.. a Bullet 1 will take care of you as its rated up to 150g -- I will be posting a list here in the upcoming days...

[tang-chaser]

Sweet!! a sale. All i can tell you is dont buy a cheap nock off skimmer on ebay. I have one and no matter how you adjust it, it sucks. The best i can get it to skim will still have tank at 20ppm or nitrate. (i do large water changes weekly to make up)

[Jabrown7]

My goal is to have everything started around the 1st of July. She hooked me up on the filtration. I have a marineland magnum 350 canister and a penguin 150 top filter. She threw in 2 powerheads along with a lot of other stuff. I want to build a simple reef set up with a few inverts and a few fish. I've been checking craigslist and eBay for a 55g so I can gave more room. Either way I'm pumped about it.

[rage]

So I just inherited a 40 gallon acrylic tank. I'm doing all the research before I set it up. I wanted to know about what type of skimmer would be sufficient for my tank. When I ask people at shops (obviously) they try to sell me one for like a 200 gallon tank. I was just wondering what I should go with and how often to use it. I've read several places that it is only needed in the initial set up and when water is changed. Any input is greatly appreciated.

You are going to have to do more research ...

Do you have a sump? If you don't have a sump, you have to get a hang on back skimmer. They are mostly rated for smaller tanks such as yours.
Some people with small tanks also have a sump. If the sump is drilled, you can get a skimmer that sits outside the sump. If the sump is not drilled, you can get an in-sump skimmer. For smaller tanks, there is usually not much room under the stand for a sump and a skimmer.

[Jabrown7]

I don't have a sump on this set up. If I get the larger tank in the next week I am def going to get a sump set up. My dad used to build them about 20 years ago so I don't have to worry about spending too much on that. We used to have a 300g and a 125g when I was a kid. I am familiar with the types of filtration needed and all that. Haha but it seems tech has made things a little different now.

[Darbex]

For a skimmer you dont need one if you are willing to do water changes. With a skimmer you can go like 2-4 weeks between changes without one your looking at 1-2 weeks. I dont have a skimmer on mine and its fine the only problem I am having is temperature with a MH thats the hardest thing to control IMO.

[Jabrown7]

Okay, so things just changed. I'm now getting a 70g corner hex tank for wicked cheap. I'm now looking for in-sump skimmers. I already have a sump that is about to be built. I'm pumped now. The tank is taller than my last. What is the best filtration advice? I'm going to stick with the canister filter I have now. What about top filtration? Needed or can I work with my canister filter and a wet/dry trickle with several powerheads with a reef setup?

[Darbex]

I am setting up a 90 with a sump and a 2260. I am putting a PM bullet 1 skimmer on it as well

[Jabrown7]

I'm picking up the other tank tomorrow with a stand. I'm thinking of still using the 40g for somethig else. I just couldn't pass up this deal. I want a sweet reef set up regardless of cost. Haven't told my gf just yet. She loves betas and other random freshwater stuff. Might set her up with a
separated tank so she can breed them again.

[jsnoravo]

Most saltwater enthusiasts that have a sump + protein skimmer don't add a canister or hob filter. That type of filtration setup is usually already sufficient enough to where you don't need to add any additional filters, and it also minimizes the amount of equipment visible in the tank. It's easier to notice intake/output tubes in a hex tank b/c they don't have a very wide footprint.

[jsnoravo]

I am setting up a 90 with a sump and a 2260. I am putting a PM bullet 1 skimmer on it as well

Hey did you ever find out the brand of that skimmer I sold you?

[Darbex]

No but my wife was moving stuff and dropped and broke the collection cup so I had to get another one.

[wago]

Try the bubble magus skimmer. We have them, but I am one that is very skeptical about skimmers. However, this one has the pump built inside the skimmer, and it produces lots of foam. You also can check out marshreef.com and see what they think. Bullet skimmers are nice, but they take up a lot of space, costs more even if you can get a cheap one. You still have to buy a pump, skimmer stand, etc. for it. I like those too, but price wise, the bubble magus is hands down way cheaper. Price is like $249.99, but its a cone skimmer too. You can also check online for info on it. www.bubble-magus.com The one we have in stock at the moment is NA-7. Hope that helps.

Donnie