Those cheap skimmers...

[Adequate]

I want to get a small skimmer for my ~25 gallon system. I've seen a few different models on several different online stores, and I've been seeing reviews saying different things about then, assuming there are even reviews of them

Here's what I'm considering:

Boyu/JAD WG-310

This one goes for $15 to $40 on different sites; eBay, Aliexpress, etc. It's gotten some bad reviews (like donkey's/pronstar1's) but also some videos have shown it doing its job well. There's also the Aqua One Miniskim 80, it seems to have the exact same design as the WG-310, though perhaps quality control is better from a legitimate manufacturer like Aqua One?

Idk what this one is

I just found this one a few minutes ago, no idea which company makes these, let alone its name. Goes for around $45.

 

[flchamp89]

I would get an eshopps Nano over those listed. It's cheap enough

 

[Adequate]

Yeah I saw a listing for one of those on Gumtree for $75, my LFS sells them for $120, so that's an option I'm also considering. Still I just wanted to see if there'd be any cheaper options.

 

[theMeat]

Have tried a few cheap eBay skimmers , just out of curiosity. Not worth the box they come in, imo

 

[Pyrosteve]

I know you want to keep the price down but I would go with something like this...

(OPEN BOX) K1 Nano Protein Skimmer (10-30 Gallons) - IceCap

Free Shipping on Everything, Rewards, Free Swag, Price Matching & Free Returns.

www.saltwateraquarium.com

I have the K2-50 and it works great (a little loud) and the build quality is very good.

 

[FugeTown]

If your serious about starting a reef tank you should save a little more and buy a good one because filtration is a big part of your tank. I’ve had cheap protein skimmers when I started out And I always found myself tinkering with the settings and never pulled the greatest skim. You’ll probably get away using a cheap skimmer but you gotta remember if it doesn’t last long or you don’t like the cheap skimmer you’ll end up spending double the price you originally wanted to spend. I eventually spent some birthday money on a reefoctopus skimmer which I knew had great reviews across the board and it’s one of the best investments I made on my tank. I realize not everyone has enough money which I totally get but if there’s an option to save up some more money it would be doing yourself a huge favor. Keep us posted what you end up using.

 

[Adequate]

I know you want to keep the price down but I would go with something like this...

(OPEN BOX) K1 Nano Protein Skimmer (10-30 Gallons) - IceCap

Free Shipping on Everything, Rewards, Free Swag, Price Matching & Free Returns.

www.saltwateraquarium.com

I have the K2-50 and it works great (a little loud) and the build quality is very good.

Looks like a neat skimmer. Doesn't seem to be widely available here in Australia though, found it on eBay, costing $300 shipped

If your serious about starting a reef tank you should save a little more and buy a good one because filtration is a big part of your tank. I’ve had cheap protein skimmers when I started out And I always found myself tinkering with the settings and never pulled the greatest skim. You’ll probably get away using a cheap skimmer but you gotta remember if it doesn’t last long or you don’t like the cheap skimmer you’ll end up spending double the price you originally wanted to spend. I eventually spent some birthday money on a reefoctopus skimmer which I knew had great reviews across the board and it’s one of the best investments I made on my tank. I realize not everyone has enough money which I totally get but if there’s an option to save up some more money it would be doing yourself a huge favor. Keep us posted what you end up using.

Yeah buddy, I totally get that. I like simple and minimalistic setups but I don't skip out on everything. My equipment is functional and good quality, albeit second hand but they do the job, like brand spanking new equipment would. I won't shell out hundreds like many other reefers would, but the essentials are totally worth my money

 

[W1ngz]

My .02 on cheap stuff.

The makers of 'cheap' stuff know full well there is some sticker shock involved when pricing gear for a reef tank. They capitalize on this, and will sell you anything at a price that plays on the emotional side of things, without regard to the actual performance of the product.

Save the cash and get something from a recognized brand that has a reputation to consider rather than throwing away your 45$ by going cheap. There are inexpensive options in the nano category that aren't 'cheap'.