cheap equip

[rale2001]

I really need a skimmer and they seem to cost more money for the quality ones. I see some on aquatraders.com has anyone dealt with them before they sell cheap overflows and some cheap lighting. I can afford to get everything at once soon but I what to know if its a good idea because its exceptionally cheap

[Guygettnby]

honestly there skimmer reminds me of the seaclone and i wouldnt trust it. look in the equipment selling section right here on the forums to find some great deals on quality equipment. keep in mind you get what you pay for most of the time.

there are a few things in this hobby i would not want to skimp on. i did it in the past and it was a waste of my time and money because i didnt want to wait and get decent equipment. now believe me i ended up paying for those mistakes in the long run.

[mtisc323]

+1 its definitly better in the long run not to skimp on important pieces of equiptment, a good skimmer is worth its weight in gold ...

[dirtStar]

+1, +1

skimmer is an investment for your tank.

The drygoods classifieds here are a good place to find used.
Make sure to check out their post count and possible feedback.

[Playa-1]

I agree, If you're on a tight budget look for a good deal on good quality used equipment.

[NirvanaFan]

I agree with everyone else. Buying used will save you some money, especially if you can find it local. There are reef club forums here on RC. They are a great place to pick up used equipment also.

[rale2001]

So question for u vets does a skimmer have to go in a sump bc I have a canister filter and have enough wires coming out my tank from the powerheads heater and tubing from filter. I don't understand where the skimmer can even go I understand what is does but where does it go?? I'm basically prepairing my tank for a coral setup.

[Playa-1]

They make some skimmers that will hang on the back of the tank, some are designed to go in a sump and then others are designed to be external stand alone skimmers.

[Haddonisreef]

They can hang on a sump or the back of display, do ya have a sup/ refigum? All of people like them in a sump incase of over flow, or just a space issue!

[rale2001]

Thanks for the clarification so basically it should say what where it should be located. Thanks for the claification. I do have another question my lighting is attached to my canopy and I want one of those clips on setups so I can get some 10000k bulbs or some T5s but my cover to my tank gathers all kinds of salt build up is it safe to remove that and let the lights beam straight down into the water?? Will the tank cover affecting the lighting from reaching the reef??

[lordofthereef]

+1 on going used. That is almost exclusively what I do anymore, especially since once you buy it it loses half its value if it is in the fishtank scene (with the exception of some controllers, vortechs, etc.) Check out the used equipment forums.

[Merkurfan]

I'd go quality used over new cheap any day. I've had the cheap ones when I started out, they are not worth the box they come in.

btdt.

[sabalough]

If you want a good and cheep skimmer diy one it is not hard there are many good designs.
A diy euro reef style skimmer is hard to beat. and easy to tune.

[broberts]

I would also buy a good used one but if you want new you can't go wrong with a Reef Octupos.

[HKAVR45]

Depending on your tank size and whether or not you want a HOB (Hang on Back) skimmer, you might want to look at a used AquaC Remora. Used ones can be found for $75ish dollars. The other skimmers mentioned Reef Octo & the Euro-Reef are also quality units.

As for your lighting question: I'd say ideally you'd want to remove the cover because it is limiting the effectiveness of your lights. HOWEVER, there could be a safety issue regarding how far the lights are from the water surface.

I think some pictures or more detail on your setup might be helpful for us to answer your questions.

[beefcake78]

I dont run a skimmer and everything is great! Green carpet and all are very happy

[kpctoy]

I've had a Remora Pro for 2 years on a 25 gallon that has been FLAWLESS in it's performance. I drive it with a Rio 1400 and an Aqua C overflow box.

Just can't beat it!

[rale2001]

Sorry they came from my phone

[rale2001]

That second pic is the lid that has the salt build up I'm talkin about will the light be able to get thru that to the coral. I wonder if that's what's keepin my ph at 7.8 also...

[HKAVR45]

Thanks for the pictures. Nice setup by the way.

The lid could definitely be the reason for low pH, but as always there are a number of other contributing factors. See here for more info:
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-05/rhf/index.php#17

As for the lid, saltcreep is a fact of life for all of us. It will always be present around the top of your aquarium, especially where power cords, tubes, etc. meet the water.

Judging from the pictures I'd estimate that you have about 6" from the lights to the water's surface. In the past I've run a similar setup with a retrofit power-compact setup in a wooden hood similar to yours. I was always afraid that a sudden splash would hit the super hot bulbs causing them crack/short/etc. I ran a splash guard with my setup for that reason. Try searching for "retro-fit lighting" & "splash guard". Maybe you'll find someone with a similar setup.

To re-hash the skimmer topic. I've run a system with and without a skimmer, both very successful. I think it really depends on what you want to keep and how diligent you will be when it comes to maintenance. I do 5 gallon water changes weekly on my 33g setup and my skimmer still pulls a ton of junk out of the water.

[rale2001]

Thanks for the feedback this is my first saltwater tank ever and I'm only 2 mons in