Can anyone recommend an inexpensive protein skimmer for around 100g total volume?

[kdx7214]

There’s always the old school diy with a pvc tube, upside down funnel, Tupperware container, maxijet venturi pump and glue!

I did try a couple of DIY methods. I definitely prefer them over buying something. Never got them working the way I wanted, so figured I'd try something else for a change

 

[archercorals]

Aquamaxx

 

[vetteguy53081]

Hmm, they don't seem to have any of the K2 ones listed anymore.

this is next best bet

IceCap K1-160 Protein Skimmer (OPEN BOX)

Compact Filtration for Aquariums Ranging from 120-200 Gallons Footprint: 6.7" x 8.5" | Reaction Chamber: 6" | Height: 21"Skimmer Pump: EVair 600 ITEM IS NEW WITH DAMAGED BOX.

www.coralvue.com

 

[Jekyl]

It's not needed quickly, I just don't have one on the system and am starting to have a nutrient problem, so I figured it would be helpful.

With a sump, using or changing filter socks more regularly, and growing chaeto are both much cheaper options. Both provide the same outcome. Chaeto is beneficial for many reasons.

 

[kdx7214]

With a sump, using or changing filter socks more regularly, and growing chaeto are both much cheaper options. Both provide the same outcome. Chaeto is beneficial for many reasons.

I have filter socks and chaeto. I can't keep the chaeto alive and have no clue why. It had enough light that coraline was growing in the sump. I make my own filter socks and do change them frequently. I'd love to know about the chaeto though.

 

[Blue Spot Octopus]

Have you looked into putting in Copepods?
How 15 Answers Changed the Way I Look at My ... - YouTubeYouTubehttps://www.youtube.com › watch
Have you seen this video?

 

[kdx7214]

Have you looked into putting in Copepods?
How 15 Answers Changed the Way I Look at My ... - YouTubeYouTubehttps://www.youtube.com › watch
Have you seen this video?

I've added pods in the past and can still see a lot of them after lights out. Honestly I'd prefer to run without a skimmer, but for the moment at least it seems to be the best bet. Darn it.

 

[Troylee]

Find a used bubble Magnus curve 5… normally run about $50 and work like a champ!

 

[Blue Spot Octopus]

For a low budget buying used is usually the best course.

 

[X-37B]

There’s always the old school diy with a pvc tube, upside down funnel, Tupperware container, maxijet venturi pump and glue!

This is old school and works well in my 20g aio.
2" pvc, couple fittings, cup, air stone, adjustable air pump.
I could use a bettrr cup but I just used what I had.

 

[kdx7214]

This is old school and works well in my 20g aio.
2" pvc, couple fittings, cup, air stone, adjustable air pump.
I could use a bettrr cup but I just used what I had.

I actually tried something similar, but was never able to get it adjusted properly. I either got all water or nothing at all. I'm hoping that a commercial one will make that somewhat easier.

 

[X-37B]

I actually tried something similar, but was never able to get it adjusted properly. I either got all water or nothing at all. I'm hoping that a commercial one will make that somewhat easier.

They are realy simple but you need an adjistable air pump. Sizing it right helps to.
I did purchace an icecap nano for like $70 and will use it in my IM 15 aio cube.
Most nano skimmers I have tried dont cut it, imo, so we will see.
I never adjust the diy skimmer as its an easy old school design.
It pulls good skim too.

 

[Eric R.]

I second buying used. I feel like skimmers are one of those things that tend to last a long time, so not a big downside to buying used. May have to replace the pump slightly sooner, but some skimmer pumps also seem to last forever (and replacements usually aren't terribly expensive).

 

[Lbrdsoxfan]

I second buying used. I feel like skimmers are one of those things that tend to last a long time, so not a big downside to buying used. May have to replace the pump slightly sooner, but some skimmer pumps also seem to last forever (and replacements usually aren't terribly expensive).

Downside its the price for used skimmers are usually a bit rich, lol. For a new one just over 100$ with shipping the OP just about can't beat it!

 

[X-37B]

Downside its the price for used skimmers are usually a bit rich, lol. For a new one just over 100$ with shipping the OP just about can't beat it!

For any used equipment you need to know what you want and then buy when you see a good deal. Most good stuff does not last long on the used market.

I have missed many deals because I did not follow my own reasoning, go figure!

 

[Eric R.]

Downside its the price for used skimmers are usually a bit rich, lol. For a new one just over 100$ with shipping the OP just about can't beat it!

The icecap skimmers on CoralVue are well priced. If I were the OP I'd pick up the K1-130 and just put something under it to raise the height.

 

[Lbrdsoxfan]

The icecap skimmers on CoralVue are well priced. If I were the OP I'd pick up the K1-130 and just put something under it to raise the height.

OP ended up ordering the k1-130 I posted a few posts back. I bought a k1-100 for my cube tank a few months back, the price cant be beat. Can't get a used one for the most part @ that price.

Also I'm terribly cheap when it comes to USED aquarium anything, I wont pay more than .50 cents on the dollar for used equipment. Not worth it to me to inherit something else.

 

[A_Blind_Reefer]

This is old school and works well in my 20g aio.
2" pvc, couple fittings, cup, air stone, adjustable air pump.
I could use a bettrr cup but I just used what I had.

I used to love diy! I tried the airstone route but found that a maxijet Venturi pump worked much better, well more consistent not better. Just drill a hole in the side of the pvc a smidge smaller than the nozzle end of the pump and press it in. Tuning was a bit different as you had to physically move the whole enchilada up for dryer skimm or down for wetter skim. Not too hard if your maxijet suction cups were strong enough and you didn’t have a large skimm container. Glad to see people still making things workl

 

[lincolnnash]

I used to love diy! I tried the airstone route but found that a maxijet Venturi pump worked much better, well more consistent not better. Just drill a hole in the side of the pvc a smidge smaller than the nozzle end of the pump and press it in. Tuning was a bit different as you had to physically move the whole enchilada up for dryer skimm or down for wetter skim. Not too hard if your maxijet suction cups were strong enough and you didn’t have a large skimm container. Glad to see people still making things workl

Thanks for this recommendation, just now I was going to get the airstone route pump and you saved me from this one.