Best HOB protein skimmer

[Dsumpter]

What is everyone's opinion on the best HOB protein skimmer for relatively new 55gal. And go!!

 

[fcmatt]

Honestly they all kinda suck so I recommend buying a used one. Dont spend too much.

 

[dreamcatcherr9]

Honestly they all kinda suck so I recommend buying a used one. Dont spend too much.

+1

Let the struggle begin. LOL.

You do get what you pay for in this hobby (most of the time). They will range from $100-$300. But they all will eventually give you a headache and be a pain in the butt (IMO).

 

[CookieRdReef]

I have an Aquamaxx 1.5 hob. It has worked well for me and has good reviews. For that size the Reef Octopus and the Aquamaxx are prob the best hobs.

 

[Dw79]

Aquamaxx and Reef Octopus make the best hob skimmers in my opinnion

 

[rwreef]

I use a Reef Octopus classic 90 on my 38g tank. Great little skimmer. In my opinion reef octopus makes solid products.

 

[CookieRdReef]

Be sure to buy an Auto Aqua smart level sensor. It will keep your floors dry :)

 

[Sleeping Giant]

AquaMaxx 1.5, best hob
I use it on my 75 gallon, works amazing and easy to maintain

 

[Sleeping Giant]

+1

Let the struggle begin. LOL.

You do get what you pay for in this hobby (most of the time). They will range from $100-$300. But they all will eventually give you a headache and be a pain in the butt (IMO).

How will they be more of a headache than a skimmer that's in your sump?

 

[CookieRdReef]

How will they be more of a headache than a skimmer that's in your sump?

It will overflow onto your floor instead of your sump unless you buy a smart sensor. Buy a smart sensor and it turns off power before it can overflow.

 

[dreamcatcherr9]

How will they be more of a headache than a skimmer that's in your sump?

I’m using my first in sump, I’ll let you know! So far, it’s easier to adjust. Seems to pull more skim.

HOB just seemed to fail after 6-10 months. But the suggestions above are done of the better options.

 

[dreamcatcherr9]

It will overflow onto your floor instead of your sump unless you buy a smart sensor. Buy a smart sensor and it turns off power before it can overflow.

Great point!!! And heck yes they will overflow!!

 

[Sleeping Giant]

It will overflow onto your floor instead of your sump unless you buy a smart sensor. Buy a smart sensor and it turns off power before it can overflow.

No it won't, it has a drain line to attach to an external bucket off needed with airline tubing, HOB skimmers shouldn't overflow, unless your running a chemical that gets removed from skimming. Otherwise you can see how much skimmate there is and dump it. I wouldn't want that skimmate going back into any part of an aquarium, sump or not.

 

[Dr. Dendrostein]

What is everyone's opinion on the best HOB protein skimmer for relatively new 55gal. And go!!

I think there's one that can do up to 90 gallons heavy feeding, most of them can't do that. I forgot the name of it

 

[Sleeping Giant]

I’m using my first in sump, I’ll let you know! So far, it’s easier to adjust. Seems to pull more skim.

HOB just seemed to fail after 6-10 months. But the suggestions above are done of the better options.

I've had cheap hob skimmers last year's (4+) the AquaMaxx is amazing

 

[fishguy242]

octopus bh series ,faithful,cannot overflow using for years
edit bh 2000 for heavy load 90 ;)

 

[CookieRdReef]

It will randomly overflow when breaking it in, if you use epoxy, and yes if you use a chemical like Chemiclean. My has saved me a few times. There is no way I would use a HOB skimmer without one. Yes the drain line will work if it is gently overflowing from skimmate.

 

[Sleeping Giant]

Is it to put on a DT or a sump?

 

[Sleeping Giant]

I don't really understand how an overflow sensor will work on a hob skimmer

 

[Homebrewer]

Reef Octopus HOB-2000... my 11th year with one. Thing is a BEAST!