Which hang-on skimmer? How much LR?

[Sean Smith]

Which 'hob' skimmer would you recommend for an 85 gallon FOWLR tank (no sump) :?:

In the UK Turboflomaster 1000 seems recommended
My LFS pushes a Prism Pro

How much LR would you recommend introducing to a virginal tank :?:

I plan to have a DSB....

[Irisservice]

I don't know if it available of there but check out the AquaC Remora Pro. I really like my unit.

http://reeflounge.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=192&highlight=remora

[steve1s]

For a skimmer I use the BAKPAK II, works great for me on a 90, but there are many options available.

The prism is a good skimmer as well just make sure you do not get the smaller one. It is only good for tanks under 50 g.

As to the live rock, I would say it depends on your budget. If you can afford it get all the live rock you will need in the beginning and add that. An 85g would need about 100lbs, but that is completely up to you. Some like less rock, some like more. I probably have over 150lbs in mine.

If finance is more of a concern, then get yourself some base rock and then add the live rock on top of that. It will take time for it to spread. but your going to save yourself about $6.00/lb with the base rock.

Here's a good place to get it http://www.hirocks.com/pages/894239/index.htm

With shipping, it will cost about $1.25/lb US.

Cheers
Steve

[HoopsGuru]

Most experts agree that small HOB skimmers don't pull out enough organics to make a real difference on a tank, especially one that size. I can relate after using prism skimmer on a 30g. (comparable to a prism pro on an 85g) and then seeing what real skimmers are able to accomplish on other tanks. A skimmer should pull out a cup of thick,dark skimmate per day.....I can assure you HOB's cannot do this. Your best bet honestly would be to just do biweekly water changes, even with a HOB skimmer. If you feel you must have one to feel secure than go ahead, but I'm sure you could find a better way to spend that money.

[Sean Smith]

If I did go for an HOB skimmer to assuage my need for security... whilst acknowledging that all are less-than-satisfactory... which one would/could you recommend?

ta
Sean

[HoopsGuru]

I wouldn't recommend any since IMO it won't do anything beneficial for your tank. If you need it for security, I would say close your eyes and pick one because the differences are minimal. Or better yet, send me the money and every week I'll call and tell you your tank is fine! :lol: :wink:

I would spend the money on a good book such as Scott Michaels Reef Fishes Vol. 1 to help you research and plan the livestock for your tank, this way you are actually getting something for your hard earned money.

For liverock, to start I would at least add 1lb per gallon. To curb the cost, I would suggest making a fair amount of this dry baserock....after some time, no one will ever know the difference. You can add your DSB (shoot for 5" of playsand) and cycle the tank with the base rock in. After the cycle is complete, I would add cured liverock to seed the DSB.

[Sean Smith]

:shock: To know the truth one must imagine myriads of falsehoods... otherwise modern life would be very tedious.

I'm with you... it's just that... that..... I can't bring myself not to have a skimmer.

If Truth were to come to me he would say "you are too wilful". And I would say "and you are too obvious".... and then throw him out of the window.

I shall implement your good advice Hoops - thanks, except I'll have throw in the skimmer as well for good luck.

[Sean Smith]

I am curious though... what makes a hang-on skimmer such a poor relative of an in-sump skimmer.

Is there a third way? An alternative to hang-on / in-sump? Because of my tank and stand configuration i will not have a sump. Is there a standalone version that will do the job?

[Irisservice]

I believe the Turboflotor 1000 multi is a good solution for you it can be setup in any configuration with sump,with out, and hang on.

http://www.aqua-medic.de/eng/produkte/skimmer/turboflotor1000multi.htm

If this one is available to you it might be the best solution.

[Irisservice]

Also found another if you want to go all out.

http://www.aqua-medic.de/eng/produkte/skimmer/turboflotor.1000.htm

[HoopsGuru]

While I've seen many agree the TF-1000s are good skimmers, I have also seen that they require a lot of modifying in order to be efficient....to the tune of changing impellers, to adding extra airpumps, to tweaking constantly to get a good foam.

Sean, I still say take the leap of faith. Here is an article that helped me down from the fence: Coral Feeding (http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2002-07/eb/index.htm)

[Irisservice]

HoopsGuru
The Turbo Floater Multi is a great skimmer!!
For Sean use it will be fine without modification. He has an 85 Gallon tank, and this skimmer is rated for 120 Gallons to 250 Gallons which will be more than enough for his tank with out modifications. I feel this is a great choice for him. Unless you can recommend another skimmer for him that is more affordable and reliable than this one?

[HoopsGuru]

While I've seen many agree the TF-1000s are good skimmers

I believe I have observed the fact that it is a good skimmer. I am also simply telling him that he may have to make some modifications to it. Do a simple search on www.wetwebmedia.com alone (or google, or yahoo...) for the TF-1000. There you will also see people that agree it is a good skimmer but often requires modification. The rated size and size of the tank does not matter. If it doesn't create as much foam as it could on a 250, it won't on a 25 either.

What you may consider to be "GREAT" may actually not be all that efficient, and I'm not sure why as a moderator you are taking offense and insinuating I shouldn't state my opinion that is backed up with 3rd party information. Perhaps it would be better to just leave this information out so that he finds out 1st hand that his $150.00+ skimmer may not be as efficient as it could be without spending more money on add-ons? Or maybe you recommend spending large amounts of money and not getting the most out of it?

The day you, me, or anyone else writes a book on sw that is proven to be "the one and absolute" is the day information should not be met with criticism or opinions. I'll join you in a beer that day watching the snowball fight in hell.

[Irisservice]

Please note that I take no offense or insult. I am just trying to help someone find a good skimmer. I personally like the Aqua C Remora Pro but he lives in the UK and it’s not readily availble so with the choices he has I recommend the Turbo Floater 1000 Multi. As far as being great I meant for his situation.

It brings us to his original question.
Which hang on skimmer should he get?

[Irisservice]

HoopsGuru
I enjoyed reading your opinions on this post. I didn't want to discourage you from voicing you opion, but to help Sean with his choice. Sorry if you felt that that way.
John

[Sean Smith]

These bulletin boards are an extension of emails, which are extremely powerful and useful... but in this format the written word often leads to misunderstanding in tone and intent. We are all pretty passionate about the topic which is why we are on here I guess.

I hear what you both say... and value both sets of opinion. The plain fact is I want a skimmer. As a newbie I cannot take that leap of faith yet Hoops.... maybe later as I progress. I do follow the scientific basis and argument... but I am a confirmed gadget man!

I am going to try the Turboflotor. Fortunately I am not too price sensitised. I'm spending $2k on a setup. I live in an expensive country so what's another dollar?! :(

[HoopsGuru]

Then you have made an approiate decision for yourself. I would recommend you go to www.wetwebmedia.com and do a search for the skimmer to see how you can get the most out of this skimmer.

FWIW, I completely understand the situation, Iris was unpleased with the fact that I was criticizing suggestions without providing my own....understandable. But, I made it pretty clear in the beginning I won't use a skimmer and therefore won't recommend a make or model. However, I found the information I provided important and I think it will help you achieve better results.

I have one last word for you..."wussy" :lol: :D :wink: Good luck with the tank.

[Irisservice]

http://www.epinions.com/content_42678980228

[HoopsGuru]

Wow, 2 reviews from people with unknown saltwater equipment knowledge....you outdid yourself....is this an " I told you so!" moment? :lol:

Sean, HERE (http://www.google.com/custom?q=turboflotor+1000&hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&cof=AH:center%3B&domains=wetwebmedia.com&sitesearch=wetwebmedia.com&start=0&sa=N) is a reference that will give you 100+ discussions of the Turboflotor. The majority of it is positive, with the rest being information on how to get the most out of it. As I have stated before, it appears to be a good skimmer, but apparently the instructions are limited and the reference above is to help you get the most out of it. You should be able to find an answer to any question....I think they covered everything imaginable on this thing.

HTH

[Irisservice]

I posted that link because, I came a cross it when I was looking for info on something else made by the same manufacturer which I thought was cool.

http://reeflounge.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=421

When I typed the name of this product the turbo floater came up. I saw a couple of comments and some info not on the manufactures website so I decided to post it quickly. That is why I put no info about it. Not to rub it in your face as you seem to think. These posts are for Sean, but you think that it is a personal attack on you. Well its not. At least you agree with me that it is a good skimmer.

[Pineapple House]

Calm down you guys.
http://www.flashaddiction.com/Animations/Animals/Monkey-01.gif
We want to keep this thread healthy.

Remember, everyone has opinions. Please respect that. Some people use different equiptment than others, thats what makes our tanks different from others.

Just a reminder to keeping every thread alive and healthy :-)

PH =)

[steve1s]

PH,

Were'd ya get the monkey from...... hmmmm?

Cheers
Steve

[HoopsGuru]

Oh, its all in good fun!.....why do we have these smilies if no one reads them? I thought that was how you are supposed to express your emotion so there is less confusion about statements whose purpose can be unclear? I knew it was a matter of time before the monkey was used on me.

And yes, if one chooses to run a skimmer, I think that has a proven track record....and I haven't denied that fact from the beginning! This hasn't been a skim or not skim debate....ugh, now that's an ugly can o' worms. :shock:

[phistio]

I have one last word for you..."wussy" :lol: :D :wink: Good luck with the tank.

while i understood the joking matter this was intended, (as well i think, or at least hope Sean Smith took it as a joke as well)...this is the type of comment that can be misunderstood...

readers: please note that when smiley's as the one's that followed the above quote are placed after a statement, that they be a sign of joking or sarcasm...not at all meant in the way they could sound hurtful...

as Sean Smith said, these boards are an extension of e-mails...

unfortunately, while you read the words, little can be be determined as to what sort of tone, or inflection of voice was used...

but please, as a reader...take the possibility that something read may not appear to what it seems, and posters...take into consideration that something said may be taken the wrong way.

in the wise words of Mister Roger's..."won't you be my neighbor?" :wink: