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Unread 07/21/2011, 11:33 PM   #1
hagar101
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Skimmers

Ive been looking around at skimmers. i dont have a sump so i need one that does not require one. Is there any type that can go under the tank, like the filter does? Because i really dont want to move my tank 2" just to put the skimmer on.


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Unread 07/22/2011, 02:07 AM   #2
emuirishguy414
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Well, a H.O.B. (hang on the back) might be a good way to go if you don't have a sump. Also, there are some skimmers that can go inside the tank as well...


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Unread 07/22/2011, 05:40 AM   #3
AaronM
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As HOB skimmers go, the mce300 is excellent for anything under 60g. I have one for my 55g sumpless, my bro has one on his 30g. As well as being great, theres alot of mods one can easily do to make it even better.

2"...so you're tanks against the wall? So you wanna know if/which skimmer you can directly pipe down then up?


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Unread 07/22/2011, 06:01 AM   #4
sponger0
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There are some that are external sump that you may be able to use.


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Unread 07/22/2011, 09:59 AM   #5
Chris27
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Given your tank is so close to the wall, you need a HOS skimmer...not a HOB skimmer.

HOS - hang on the side
HOB - hang on the back

While a typical external skimmer (Beckett/Recirculating/etc.) would work in your case, you would need to install it above the tank. Skimmers, unlike a canister filter, drain water out of them, rather then pump it through them. It's possible to use one, but it will most definitely be an eyesore unless you can conceal it somehow.


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Unread 07/22/2011, 11:10 AM   #6
hagar101
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its a 75.. i was really hoping that i could find one that is kind of like the canister. Like how it goes under and all. I was looking at this one at BRS. http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store/...ct-bh2000.html


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Unread 07/22/2011, 11:19 AM   #7
thegrun
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The Tunze DOC series can be installed in-tank


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Unread 07/22/2011, 11:58 AM   #8
sucker_fish
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I second the tunze DOC series skimmer, they are great skimmers IMO. I think you're going to run into a problem with any skimmer being an eyesore unless you just move the tank and go with a HOB skimmer. Perhaps with some creative rock arranging you could hide the skimmer but then you have to think about ease of access for maintenance. Personally I always recommend that you go with a sump if able to since it adds more water volume and makes your system more stable. Ifyou're absolutely not able to do a sump I would opt for a HOB skimmer. I have used a turboflotor multi 1000 skimmer on a 75 gallon tank before and it worked beautifully, these can hang on the back, on the outside of the sump or be used in the sump which makes them quite versatile.


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Unread 07/22/2011, 03:22 PM   #9
hagar101
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Ok thanks.. Is it nessacary with just an FO? Im not doing LR. so idk


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Unread 07/22/2011, 03:35 PM   #10
Ceebuano
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Quote:
Originally Posted by hagar101 View Post
Ok thanks.. Is it nessacary with just an FO? Im not doing LR. so idk
imho it is eseential to any type of tank whether F.O / FOWLR / REEF


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Unread 07/22/2011, 03:49 PM   #11
sponger0
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Quote:
Originally Posted by hagar101 View Post
Ok thanks.. Is it nessacary with just an FO? Im not doing LR. so idk
I would especially so since your not going to use live rock. But I would be recomended to use live rock for filtration for your tank. And depending on your livestock you may need a really good skimmer


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Unread 07/22/2011, 04:17 PM   #12
hagar101
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Ok thanks.


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Unread 07/23/2011, 01:53 AM   #13
ErinCahir
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+1 on the LR... best way to filter by far.


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Unread 07/23/2011, 02:07 AM   #14
hagar101
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Yeah i know. But my dad doesnt want me setting up another tank for quarantine. so thats why i cant :/


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Unread 07/23/2011, 02:28 AM   #15
ErinCahir
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Why would you quarantine LR?


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Unread 07/23/2011, 05:20 AM   #16
ed102475
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ErinCahir View Post
Why would you quarantine LR?
I'm stumped as well .


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Unread 07/23/2011, 05:49 AM   #17
thereeftank
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For hitch-hiking pests?

Quote:
Originally Posted by ErinCahir View Post
Why would you quarantine LR?



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Unread 07/23/2011, 10:42 AM   #18
hagar101
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I think i worded it incorrectly. My dad doesnt want me to have live rock because if one of my fish get ich or something like that i cant treat it. (i would need to set up a quarantine for that) which i cant do in the moment of time.


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Unread 07/23/2011, 03:08 PM   #19
johnc99
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The skimmer and LR complement each other.

The skimmer pulls pollutants out of the water column before they have the opportunity to break down into the nitrogenous compounds. Unfortunately the skimmer can't get everything and so you need some biological filtration to convert the ammonia, left behind by the skimmer, into a less toxic form. LR performs this task - extremely well. As well as harboring the aerobic bacteria that breaks down ammonia and nitrate - it will also eventually be colonized with anaerobic bacteria that converts some of the nitrate into nitrogen gas.

Now a bio-film and bacteria will form on the various surfaces of the aquarium and whatever scape you have. Some will also form on the surfaces of your substrate material. That, however, may not be enough for the bioload of your desired tank inhabitants.

BTW - I have the Reef Octopus BH-2000, that you mentioned, on my 30G. I really like the skimmer and it does a good job of pulling cr@p out the water. It is about 3.5 inches deep and so requires about 4 inches of space behind (or to the side) of the aquarium. The pump is quiet enough for the tank to be in my family room but I can hear the air being sucked in. The skimmer itself is easy to clean and maintain - but is quite heavy when filled. The included surface skimmer is a bonus. There are a couple of downsides with the skimmer - the instructions were pretty scant (but putting the skimmer together was straight forward), it uses metric plumbing parts, and it creates a ton of microbubbles during break in.

Whatever skimmer you get though, don't skip on the LR.

I would also strongly recommend a 20G long as a QT. Given that PETCO is having their $1/G sale - $20 + the cost of an Aquaclear HOB filter is a small price to pay to ensure that you don't introduce any disease that could wipe out your tank. Also you can tell your dad that the QT won't be running all the time - most of the time it will be packed away.

To get a QT up and running quickly just take the sponge media from the aquaclear filter and place it somewhere inconspicuous in the display tank for a week or so before buying a new inhabitant and voila, you have colonized filtration media. I actually use the return chamber of the skimmer. Once I'm done with quarantine I throw out the old sponge and clean the QT and aquaclear and buy a new sponge ready for next time.


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