Which skimmer should I get?

KVYA · Sep 9, 2016

Tunze 9004, Tunze 9001, Eshopps Protein Nano 10-35, Eshopps Hang on PSK-75H, Eshopps HOB PSK-100H?

Going on a 25 mixed reef

cromag27 · Sep 10, 2016

I would personally look at the in-tank options. I was just told that the older tunze 9002 is better than the 9001, so maybe look for a used one.

mcarroll · Sep 10, 2016

Definitely internal (Tunze) – or maybe try without a skimmer.

taat2d · Sep 10, 2016

I just picked up the Aquamaxx HOB 1 for my JBJ 28. There is not one bad review that I read about this skimmer. This thing is a beast. I can't wait to see what it pulls out of my tank.

Bob Escher · Sep 10, 2016

I like the aquamax ones and even coralvue has some nice ones as well. I went with a coralvue icecap PK 50 skimmer which fit in my basket ok ( a little large sticking up) but since I was intending to buy a sump ( which I did) it's really a in sump skimmer)

KVYA · Sep 10, 2016

Btw I have no sump on it

KVYA · Sep 10, 2016

mcarroll said:
Definitely internal (Tunze) – or maybe try without a skimmer.

Tried for a few months but too much water changes.

Chrisfish · Sep 10, 2016

I also have the Aquamaxx hob skimmer On my JBJ 30 gal. and I really like it. I bought the one that comes with the sponge or micro bubble diffuser, it took a few days for it to "break in" but since then, no problems. I had purchased the Tunze 2004 and the hydor nano in tank skimmer and did not like either one. Hope this helps:)

KVYA · Sep 10, 2016

Chrisfish said:
I also have the Aquamaxx hob skimmer On my JBJ 30 gal. and I really like it. I bought the one that comes with the sponge or micro bubble diffuser, it took a few days for it to "break in" but since then, no problems. I had purchased the Tunze 2004 and the hydor nano in tank skimmer and did not like either one. Hope this helps:)

What model?

Chrisfish · Sep 10, 2016

Tristan said:
What model?

Right now Marine Depot has them on sale, Aqua maxx HOB-1 , good price right now, but also check Amazon prime to compare. ( not promoting any of the above :))

mcarroll · Sep 10, 2016

I still vote for an internal Tunze skimmer as the best skimmer option. Probably the best deal, too.

The 9004 or 9004 DC would be the correct skimmer model.

Links:
Comline® DOC Skimmer 9004 ($154)
DOC Skimmer 9004 DC ($197)

Their Reefpack 250 is a nice combo with a filter unit that can also hide your heater and ATO sensor. This gives you a powered heater (with flow), so a lower wattage can be used than normal.
Link: Comline® Reefpack 250 ($213)

But here are some other ideas:

Grow more corals, feed them less, they'll suck up more nitrates and phosphates as they grow.

Nitrates can be a major source of nutrients for coral.

Optionally, and less fun, grow more algae. Use a refugium or "algae scrubber" or "algae trough" whatever makes sense.

@Paul B has a DIY algae trough in his book "avant-garde-marine-aquarist" that's pretty easy to make. (It may be on the saltwater smarts website too, but I'm not sure.)

Darryl · Sep 10, 2016

I would recommend the 9004 dc or the 9001 dc
Both work great

Mickie · Sep 10, 2016

I gave the Eshopps psk 100h...I'm a newbie but it works really really well even just having it a week...it pulls a lot of gunk out. Just FYI though, the directions blow so hard.

Waboss · Sep 10, 2016

I' d recommend the Aquamaxx HOB. When I had a BC29 I tried every skimmer you can think of (including the Tunze's) and ended up with the DeepWater HOB (basically the same as the Aquamaxx). It worked great and I had no real issues.