Can you recommend a good skimmer for a 20G?

Don E · #1 05-15-2003, 01:28 AM

Howdee-

I'm just cycling a 20G which will (probably) be a no-fish nano with basic, low-light corals (I have 4x20 watt NO fluorescents) and maybe a cleaner shrimp or two.

I know I could do this without a skimmer, but I'm relatively new and would like all the help I can get with keeping the water healthy. So, I reckon I'm going to skim.

My first tank (two years ago) had an Aqua C Remora which was awesome. Unfortunately, I sold it when I moved. I know, dumb- and the worst part of it was that UPS lost it shipping it to the buyer. Grrrr.

So I'm thinking of getting another- but it's expensive. Any comments on the Red Sea Prizm? Would it do the job for a 20G?

I appreciate any input-

Don

Aquattro · #2 05-15-2003, 01:33 AM

Don, the prism will probably be more thatn enough for a 20g, but think carefully about the future. Will you go bigger in the next year or so? You'll need a bigger skimmer if you do.
Also, with a 20g you can probably get by without a skimmer just fine. A 10% water change once a week won't cost too much!!

BC_Grl · #3 05-15-2003, 05:20 AM

do you actually need a skimmer for a 20g? I was thinking of using only an Aquaclear instead of a skimmer when I get settled into a place of my own?

Dez · #4 05-16-2003, 03:24 PM

I skim my 7 gallon bowfront and was surprised at the amount of stuff that was skimmed out....and I don't really like doing weekly water changes, it gets annoying, I'd rather do them monthly. Have you considered a back-pak? They seem to be fairly easy to operate and they don't cost much. Or you could always go with a cheap airstone skimmer and every time you do a water change, change the wooden stone, that's what I use in my 7.

Des

EmilyB · #5 05-17-2003, 07:55 PM

As a prior Red Sea Prizm owner, IMO I'd leave that one in the store. I'm really happy with my CPR BakPak 11R which is on a 33g, although I had it on a 15g for a while. I did the maxijet and airstone modifications and the thing just causes no problems whatsoever. No bubbles back to the tank, no problems during water changes, good skimmate.

Dorkel Marine 1 · #6 06-11-2003, 09:35 AM

I've had good success with my Prixm skimmer on my 30 gal tank. It does have the 18 blade propeller on it though. It skims well and the skimate is good. But I would seriously consider what Reef Raf suggested if you are at all considering up sizing later. Me I'm locked into my two 30 gal tanks for the long haul.

George

Good luck and enjoy the addiction