Hydor slim skim 65 gallon

[Benny Gyger]

Hydor slim skim for up to 65 gallons. Anyone have one? Thinking of getting it for my FOWLR 60 gallon tank. ?

 

[Water Dog]

If you're set on that style of skimmer, spend an extra few bucks and get the Tunze 9004.

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/tunze-comline-doc-skimmer-9004.html

 

[Benny Gyger]

What's your take on the difference. I chose the hydor because it's a in-tank skimmer. I don't have much room behind my tank from the wall. And don't really want to pull it out further. And it's on carpet.

 

[Water Dog]

Capacity wise, they are rated for the same size tanks. If you're running it inside of your tank, then the 9004 actually has a smaller footprint than the Slim Skim so it will be less obtrusive in your DT. If the Hydor Slim Skim standard works similar to it's nano version, than it'll be a pretty poor performer. The Tunze 9004 on the other hand is quite an efficient little skimmer, and Tunze is well known for their quality products and customer service. Either way, depending on how heavily you're stocked, I think either choice will be somewhat underpowered in a 65 gallon tank but you are unfortunately limited in choices as you will be running your skimmer internally.

Do you run an ATO? This will be very important as a constant water level will be vital if you want constant skimmer performance.

 

[Benny Gyger]

The tunze looks really nice. Just seen some great reviews on it. I'm a little on the fence of even needing a skimmer as some people say they are not necessary for Fish only tanks. But I think I will do it as it can only help. I'm a little obsessive about my tanks water quality. My wife says it's quite rediculous as I test almost every day. Haha No I don't run a ATO

 

[Water Dog]

Seriously think about getting an ATO. Fluctuating water levels will not allow the skimmer to perform consistently. You will become very frustrated with not being able to dial it in properly.

 

[Benny Gyger]

Do you need a sump tank setup that the ATO pulls from. I looked into them but still not sure how they work.

 

[Water Dog]

Could be anything really... I've seen people use 5 gallon buckets before. I use a 5.5 gallon aquarium as an ATO reservoir for my Biocube 29.