• Why not take a moment to introduce yourself to our members?

jackcarp

Reefer
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
I am looking to get a protein skimmer for my 20 gallon reef tank. I am looking at the Remora or Bakpak, but I have heard different things on each of them. I want one that is quiet since my tank is in the middle of our dining room. I would prefer to have one that doesnt give off a lot of bubbles either. I don't have a sump, so I think it will have to be a HOT. Any suggestions for a rookie from some veterans?
 
A

Anonymous

Guest
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
My remora is pretty quiet, and I have never had any issue with bubbles although some do.

It's easy to use for sure. I have not been blown away be it's performance, but then again mine is on a 60 gallon, I think it would do a good job on your 20.

I have never used the backpack, so alas I cannot compare.
 

bubblepuffer

Experienced Reefer
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
I have Remora C and have no problem with bubble. You might get bubble for few weeks if it's new..then after it break down and used to your water condition.. didn't have any bubble issue. The one that complaint with bubble issue, some use pre-filter box from Remora to fix it or you can make your own pre-filter box for it.
 

bubblepuffer

Experienced Reefer
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
I have Remora C and have no problem with bubble. You might get bubble for few weeks if it's new..then after it break down and used to your water condition.. didn't have any bubble issue. The one that complaint with bubble issue, some use pre-filter box from Remora to fix it or you can make your own pre-filter box for it.
 

fcmatt

Experienced Reefer
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
i have the aquac remora pro. i had it on a 10 gallon before.
now sits in a sump on a 60+ gallon setup.

the performance is fine in my opinion considering i run a very
low nutrient tank, minimal feeding to my two clowns, and bare bottom.

but i eventually do plan to upgrade to a ER some day. it is a proper
sump skimmer. i will always keep the remora though for a smaller
tank. nice kit.
 
A

Anonymous

Guest
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
I've used a BakPak since they came out, LOVE IT :) I've used Ramoras as well, but I prefer BakPaks now adays for HOT uses :)
 

MartinE

Advanced Reefer
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
I have had a Remora/MJ1200 on my 15gal long since I started it 2 1/2 years ago and its pretty quiet unless a snail is vibrating between the glass and the pump. No bubble issues that I can remember. I have replaced the pump once and nothing else. I have never used the backpack, so I have no good comparison.
 
A

Anonymous

Guest
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
I have used CPR Bak Paks for going on 7 years and I love them for small tanks. I ran my 55 and a 46 on them. I used the prefilter box on one and not the other. I liked the fact it helped skim the top water. I removed the biobale and added the bubble trap and I was very happy with the result. You will have some bubbles for the first few weeks until the skimmer breaks in, but very few after that.
 
A

Anonymous

Guest
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Ranger, are you still using the o-ring, or have you long since graduated to using something else (rubber band, zip tie, etc)? I went from rubber bands to zip ties a few years ago :)
 

jackcarp

Reefer
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Thanks for all the feedback. How does the pre-skimmer work? does it attach inside the tank around the inlet or does it go inside the skimmer itself. Will it matter if I don't have a top off system?
 

bubblepuffer

Experienced Reefer
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
The Pre-skim actually is a small overflow box that attached to your skimmer intake and out. The overflow only on the intake area. So it's a retangular box that divided into 2 small box inside. The water that out from your skimmer will flow into the out area of the box which go through a sponge then out at the bottom of the box to remove micro bubbles.
 
A

Anonymous

Guest
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
I actually am using both skimmer on my 75 reef now and they seem to be working great. The Bakpak is pretty nice, but not as quiet as my Aqua C remora. If I had to buy one or the other again I'd go with the Aqua C in a heartbeat. The Remora is far more easy to clean/dismantle/operate/tune. Honestly either way they're both good skimmers especially for a 20 gallon.

cheers,
 

Sponsor Reefs

We're a FREE website, and we exist because of hobbyists like YOU who help us run this community.

Click here to sponsor $10:


Top