Hang on skimmers

Treebeard · #1 05-22-2009, 06:37 PM

You and me both. My first HOB skimmer was a Sea Clone which I purchased new, as a new, uneducated newbie. Then I bought a Remora from a fellow Canreefer who was getting out of the hobby, who assured me that it worked great. This pos has not produced much more than teaspoon of skimmate in 5 weeks of operation!

Myka · #2 05-22-2009, 07:17 PM

If you're used to crappy skimmers like SeaClones many people think that the Remora is good, but once you have some experience with better skimmers you will think the Remora sucks. Personally, I don't like Remoras. They are finicky, need tuning constantly, and really don't pull much. In order to get a GOOD hob skimmer you have to spend some decent coin. In sump skimmers, you can get better ones for cheaper. For hob I would recommend a Deltec, nothing less otherwise you may as well go skimmerless. Depending what type of corals you're planning on keeping you may want to just go skimmerless. If you want SPS though skimmers really help... a lot.

Treebeard · #3 05-22-2009, 07:25 PM

Sorry for the hijack, but what kind of tuning can I do to try to get the Remora to do something besides heating my tank?

No doubt that I am spoiled by my in-sump Euroreef. Once it is set, it churns away producing green sludge effortlessly.

Zoaelite · #4 05-22-2009, 08:30 PM

No such thing

, get a sump it will do you wonders! After having my Red Sea explode on me like 12 times I just decided it wasn't worth even trying any more. I will never design a system without a sump for that exact reason.
Levi

Relic · #5 05-22-2009, 09:08 PM

Try coralife super skimmer. I use a over sized one one my first set up 20gal, then 40 gal now its on a 75 gal. Its capacity is for 125 gal. I will probably go custom skimmer when I go with a larger tank and sump. The Skimmer has served me well. Must keep power head air intake clear from salt deposits and make sure you replace impeller and shaft every 18 months or so.

I wouldn't go with anything less. When you upgrade 3 times like me you don't want to buy 3 skimmers!

mseepman · #6 05-22-2009, 11:54 PM

I don't know what you plan on spending, but if you have some room (and it takes some room) I've been really happy with the Aquamedic Blue1000 that I got from www.aquacave.com

They aren't uber cheap, but $199 US isn't bad considering what people pay for some skimmers. It pulls a lot out and only uses 12W. It is BIG though. I use it in sump rather than HOB but it's made for both.

Another one you might want to consider is a Tunze...the 9002 is rated for about 58G and doesn't take much room but is known for being good.

hockey nut · #7 05-23-2009, 05:16 AM

Never had a problem with my Remora. Mine skimmed pretty good on my 24 gallon and even better on my 75 when I first set up that tank. The only reason I am selling it is because like most reefers I'll have a full / overstocked fish tank and wanted an in sump skimmer.

I can't see how it would be finicky but like I said I have never had a problem with this unit.

Just my 2 cents.

Chaloupa · #8 05-23-2009, 05:57 AM

I'm with Hockey Nut on this...I have 2 Remora Pro skimmers and am quite happy with them......I'd prefer the Deltec MCE 600 but the Remora does just fine!

imisky · #9 05-23-2009, 06:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zoaElite

No such thing

, get a sump it will do you wonders! After having my Red Sea explode on me like 12 times I just decided it wasn't worth even trying any more. I will never design a system without a sump for that exact reason.
Levi

MCE600 and ATB multi are two of the best HOB skimmers available on the market so they do exist :P just alot more expensive then in sump ones. You really do pay a premium for HOB skimmers compared to there in sump counterparts.

But if you were looking for a MCE600 or ATB Multi i wish you luck its hard to find them 2nd hand in canada and i dont think ive even seen an ATB multi 2nd hand yet.

VFX · #10 05-23-2009, 06:40 AM

I've owned 2 MCE 600's before. Really great skimmers, but can occasionally get a bit noisy if you don't keep them clean.

I'm currently running a Tunze 9002 Nano Doc in my 15 gallon. Not a HOB, more an in-tank skimmer but it's so small you barely notice it. It's also whisper quiet, in fact it's probably the quietest skimmer I've ever had.

Both are extremely hard to find 2nd hand though, which probably means people tend not to part with them.

.