HOB Skimmer

[SevTT]

I'm looking for a HOB skimmer that doesn't completely suck but won't break the bank. It's for a 29g reef tank (about 40g total system volume with fuge/sump.) Can anyone give me some recommendations? Thanks.

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

The remora is the best cheap HOB skimmer you can get in my opinion. That being said there are much better models made by Deltec and Bermuda to name just 2 companies if you are willing to spend a little more. In this hobby Cheap can get you into trouble.

 

[NDY]

Remora Should Be Good Enough
Its A Great Skimmer
And For 40 Gallon Tanks Should Be Good

 

[mckostya]

they say remora is hit/miss. i have one and its barely pulling any junk out, ive seen some people's pull so much crap..

 

[marrone]

they say remora is hit/miss.

Who is they?

 

[albano]

have cpr bac-pac available, if interested PM me

 

[Orca1]

I ran the Remora on my 37g cube for the past few months and I've been satisfied with it. Every 3 days I would get about a half to three quarters of an inch of skimmate. I had a Reef Octopus 800s HOB skimmer laying around and put that on about a week ago. I'm still adjusting the collection cup to find the sweet spot but I'm pulling out much darker & thicker skimmate than the Remora....but then again, the Octopus is "rated" for up to a 135g tank. I'm having issues with bubbles though.

Both skimmers are a little loud IMO. A good friend of mine has the Deltec MCE600 and it runs nearly silent.

 

[cowfish]

If you've got the buck go Deltec. A little cheaper, but still pretty good, would be Warner Marine or Octopus.

 

[E.intheC]

I'm going to agree with the Warner Marine and Deltec suggestions, if you have the cash. If not, go for a Tunze Nano 9002. It's an inexpensive option. I'd stay away from the Remoras. They're loud and ineffective, in my personal experience.

 

[SevTT]

Yeah, noise is a concern. Dangit, this is something I'm gonna have to research. Thanks for all your input so far.

 

[cowfish]

What are you planning on keeping? I have a 2 year old 29 gallon "garden reef" and I've never used a skimmer. The tank has calustrea, montiporas (caps, encrusting and digitata), zoas, frogspawn, gorgonia and others species.

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

I had the remora and was very pleased with the performance. The Tunze Doc 9002 is either an in tank or an in sump skimmer and not hang on back. I am currently using this and I like it's performance as well but to have it's body smack dab inside my tank would drive me crazy.