Opinions on 28gal sps tank set up needed

[Delmarr]

Hello all:

I am seting up a 28 gal bow front sumpless SPS tank.

I have gone with the Icecap retro T5ho 24x4 for lighting.

But need some help with Skimmers/refugiums.

I keep going back and forth over the following:

1. CPR auqafuge2 Med with a Tunze 9002 mounted in the fuge.
2. Warner Maraine H1 and a smallCpr Aquafuge .
3. An octopus 1000 and small CPR aquafuge.
4. Just a damn good hob Skimmer and no fuge.

Option 1 and 2 have the problem of not having any surface skimming.
but not sure if Octo is silent enough or equal to the WM H1 or Tunze

Im so confused :0

Not interested in remora, had the pro for years, wasn't impressed and it was very load.

Any ideas?

Delmarr

 

[jackson6745]

I use option #4 on a 24 gal SPS tank and have good success.
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1600334
IMO a fuge is a big waste of space considering its nutrient export abilities. A very good skimmer will keep your water pristine. The problem is the term "very good" is highly subjective. All skimmer companies overrate their skimmers abilities to a degree (some ratings are ridiculously overrated). I use a Deltec MCE 600 on a 24gal tank with 5 fish. I wouldn't use it on more than a 40 gal. I guess it depends on what you expect out of your skimmer. I want low or undectable nitrates, very low range phosphates, and very little nusciance algae without being totally dependent on water changes or chemical medias.
Just my opinion but you can be successful many ways as long as water quality is kept high.

 

[Delmarr]

Rich:

Thanks for the responce. Option #4 seem like it may be the best bet but it still comes down to which skimmer. The deltec is a bit pricy at $500. Id be willing to spend $300 - $350 but it doesn't seem like there is alot in that range.

The Octopus and Warner Marine skimmers seem like they are a step or two below the Deltec but still better then remoras and CPR equivelents but I havent been able to find great reviews for eigther.

Delmarr

 

[MatthewScars]

if you dont put many fish in the tank, you can get away with a small skimmer on your budget.

 

[jackson6745]

Delmarr they're selling between 250-300 used. I always see them for Sale on ReefCentral

 

[Delmarr]

Jackson:

What do you do about surface skimming?

Didn't see a surface skimmer set up with the Deltec

Going to start looking for a used Deltec now

Thanks

Delmarr



Mathew:

I don't plan on many fish at all but really dont want o go through buying a smaller skimmer and then having to buy a better one latter when I realize it just not enough.
I went threw that with lighting on my first tank and spent a tun of money upgrading 3 time on one tank.

Thanks

Delmarr

 

[Delmarr]

Jackson:

Checked out the link you posted earlier and got my answer regarding how you surface skim. Any ideas on best way to do it when not using an all in one set up?

Delmarr

 

[jackson6745]

Delmarr, only thing I would do is have good surface flow. IMO/IME skimming the surface isn't a big deal. The acrylic false back wall on my tank has leaks so the tank works just like a regular sumpless tank.