Skimmer vs Fuge in Nano AIO

[Saluki2003]

Trying to decide what to put in my 2nd chamber of my IM Nuvo 20. This tank will be an Euphyllia dominant tank with a pair of clowns, a watchman goby/shrimp and maybe a clown or neon goby.

Every skimmer that will fit this tank has very mixed reviews and I’m getting mixed feedback on the efficacy of a fuge in nano AIO tanks.

Im currently doing 20% weekly water changes and leaning towards a fuge for the biodiversity aspect.

Please share your opinions and experience with either Nano fuge or skimmer.

 

[polyppal]

A tiny fuge in one of the back compartments of a 20 nano isnt likely going to do much. The skimmer will help with removing the organics/waste at least.

For my nanos in the past, I used a small skimmer and bag of carbon/little GFO to control nutrients. Always worked well for me

 

[Saluki2003]

A tiny fuge in one of the back compartments of a 20 nano isnt likely going to do much. The skimmer will help with removing the organics/waste at least.

For my nanos in the past, I used a small skimmer and bag of carbon/little GFO to control nutrients. Always worked well for me

Which skimmer did you use? I had great results with a skimmer on my last nano but I was able to use a full sized skimmer since my sump was bigger than the tank.

 

[polyppal]

Which skimmer did you use? I had great results with a skimmer on my last nano but I was able to use a full sized skimmer since my sump was bigger than the tank.

I have used the small Tunze ones, which I didnt like (but other people love, so I was prob using it wrong). I also had the small Icecap one, which was ok. This was all like 4-5 years ago.

If I was setting up a nano today, I would look at an Aquamaxx (I have several Aquamaxx products now and love the quality. They are MarineDepots store brand). When it comes down to Nanos though, your kinda forced into what fits into the compartment. Or a hang-on-back would be good option...

Heres some decent ones you could research more:

NF-1 Nano Protein Skimmer - In-Sump

A great nano-reef skimmer for aquariums up to 30 Gallons!AquaMaxx NF-1 nano-skimmer has all the attributes to make it an awesome nano-skimmer! Great pump, great design, great materials, great craftsmanship, great efficiency and great performance! Features Modified and upgraded Italian Sicce...

www.marinedepot.com

HOB-1.5 Hang-On-Back Protein Skimmer

The AquaMaxx HOB-1.5 is an upgraded and more-powerful version of AquaMaxx`s best-selling HOB-1. With an enlarged bubble diffusor and reaction chamber, the new HOB-1.5 is able to fully harness the power of the Shark 1.0 pump to maximize foam production and protein extraction. The custom conical...

www.marinedepot.com

Comline DOC Skimmer 9001

Using the Tunze Flash Skimming Principle, the Comline DOC Skimmer pulls water through an efficient surface suction. 5.3 to 37 US Gallon tank (Depending on tank load) Skimmer Cup volume: .2 Liters Air capacity: 26 GPH Magnet holder for up to 3/8" thick glass Quiet Operation Bubble free outgoing...

www.marinedepot.com

 

[Reef.]

I would go with the refugium, as you say the reviews on the skimmers are not great, and those that I have seen in videos praising them show a very light skimate, my frozen food water can be darker than the skimate, and apparently they are always in need of adjustments.

 

[Fishyj]

I have a 20 and I use the second compartment for my fuge. I also do a water change every week or two of 5 gallons. About once a month I take 3/4 of charro out of it and once a month I also clean my back compartments. I did use a mame skimmer for a short time but it was a lot of adjustments and maintenance on it.

 

[wonroc]

tunze 9001 skimmer is wonderful