Best nano skimmer?

gabeJLFT · Apr 17, 2018

i have a 20 gal AIO tank with a space for a skimmer in the filter. Does anyone know what is the best nano skimmer? preferably the smaller the better and my budget is around $150

McArcher · Apr 17, 2018

If it fits, Tunze 9004 hands down.

cloak · Apr 17, 2018

AquaticLife 115 Internal Protein Skimmer?

Midrats · Apr 17, 2018

What are the dimensions of the chamber?

gabeJLFT · Apr 17, 2018

squareriggersailor said:
What are the dimensions of the chamber?

dimensions are:
2.5 in
4.5in
12in tall

gabeJLFT · Apr 17, 2018

is the reefglass skimmer good?

Tahoe61 · Apr 17, 2018

Tunze that fits.

Midrats · Apr 18, 2018

gabeJLFT said:
is the reefglass skimmer good?

I haven't used the Reefglass, I do have a Mame though and I imagine the Reefglass performs similarly. As long as you keep up with airstone maintenance it will outperform most any skimmer that will fit into that chamber. The limewood stones are cheap and can be had in bulk on eBay. The Tunze 9001 is a fine skimmer but it will be a tight fit, if it fits at all, measuring 4.3"x2.5".

Mkus · Apr 18, 2018

Tunze Nano DC

jeffrey holloway · Apr 19, 2018

I run a Tunze 9004 inside a 20g QT. May be to big for your AIO

Left Coast DJ · Apr 19, 2018

Would an AquaMaxx WS-1 fit?

ilyad · Apr 19, 2018

gabeJLFT said:
is the reefglass skimmer good?

Its probably good, but you have to deal with the airstones, and it does not have a skimmate chamber, have to have it drain into a container. That can be good or bad, good since you may be able to use a much bigger container and have to clean it out, bad because you have to figure out where to route and put it.

Left Coast DJ said:
Would an AquaMaxx WS-1 fit?

WS-1 is bigger than that size, would not fit for sure.

I hear that IM AUQA Gadget Ghost (DeskTop) is ok too. It appears to be a very similar desing to the WS-1 but a bit smaller.

The River · Apr 19, 2018

I have tried tunze 9001, aquatic life 115 and HOB skimmers...

-Tunze is hard to keep dialed in and needs super constant water level.

-115 was loud even after mods and didn't allow good water flow around it

- didn't like the performace and look of HOB

So i was looking into reef glass and other airstone options. I ended up modding a stock coralife skimmer. It works amazing and is completely silent and takes up minimal space. I will post my build below in case you want to see the mods.