Hob protein skimmer

Chrisfish · Dec 28, 2015

i need help please! I am going from a 8 gallon nano with an hob Aqua clear to a 30 gallon nano this week and I need some help from you all. I have been researching hob protein skimmers and just can't make a decision. I bought the hydro slim nano for my 8 gallon and it was to big, sent it back, I am new to saltwater tanks but so far so good and admit that I am addicted to it

. And any assistance with transferring what I need to start my new tank. Thanks so much!!

SoonerBerrios · Dec 28, 2015

Chris...I'm in a 40B, but just had a similar situation as yours. My first skimmer was the TUNZE 9004 protein skimmer which sits inside the tank. This was decent, but my nitrates were still skyrocketing every week after doing 20% water changes. I've been using the Reef Octopus BH-1000 HOB skimmer and have had great results. A week of use (no other changes to the system) and my nitrates were held within an acceptable range. The RO is rated for 100g tank, but it seems to be doing a much better job of skimming. In my short time in this hobby (2-months), I've learned that bigger seems to translate to better. Let us know what you decide!

brandon4432 · Dec 28, 2015

AquaC Remora Pro

Chrisfish · Dec 28, 2015

SoonerBerrios said:
Chris...I'm in a 40B, but just had a similar situation as yours. My first skimmer was the TUNZE 9004 protein skimmer which sits inside the tank. This was decent, but my nitrates were still skyrocketing every week after doing 20% water changes. I've been using the Reef Octopus BH-1000 HOB skimmer and have had great results. A week of use (no other changes to the system) and my nitrates were held within an acceptable range. The RO is rated for 100g tank, but it seems to be doing a much better job of skimming. In my short time in this hobby (2-months), I've learned that bigger seems to translate to better. Let us know what you decide!

Thank you for your help, just curious do you get or had any problems with micro bubbles? I hear what your saying , I've only been doing this since September , lol, but love it and everyone here have really helpful. Would love to see your tank!

Chrisfish · Dec 28, 2015

brandon4432 said:
AquaC Remora Pro

Thanks, can you tell me which one?

Shep · Dec 28, 2015

Any of the Reef Octopus HoB ones are good, I have a BH-100 that worked amazingly well!

brandon4432 · Dec 28, 2015

Chrisfish said:
Thanks, can you tell me which one?

Depends on what you willing to pay. Either the "pro" or the "s". Personally i prefer the S as it has improved features that make it silent and once it's broken in properly you'll never see micro bubbles. I'm not sure if this model comes with the included collection cup drain but you'll want to add that if it doesn't come included.

SoonerBerrios · Dec 28, 2015

Chrisfish said:
Thank you for your help, just curious do you get or had any problems with micro bubbles? I hear what your saying , I've only been doing this since September , lol, but love it and everyone here have really helpful. Would love to see your tank!

I have some micro bubbles, but it hasn't been bad at all and I expect that to resolve as the skimmer breaks in. There are mods out there that are supposed to alleviate any micro bubble issues, but I don't expect to do anything unless it becomes a problem. I'll take a picture of my tank today and try and upload.

Chrisfish · Dec 28, 2015

Thanks to all of you who replied to my thread, I will be checking them out, will keep you all updated on my new tank.

Keep your fingers crossed that I get this right... At least enough to get it going and keep my reef creatures happy.

SoonerBerrios · Dec 29, 2015

SoonerBerrios said:
I have some micro bubbles, but it hasn't been bad at all and I expect that to resolve as the skimmer breaks in. There are mods out there that are supposed to alleviate any micro bubble issues, but I don't expect to do anything unless it becomes a problem. I'll take a picture of my tank today and try and upload.

ChrisFish, finally got to taking a tank pic. This is my first attempt uploading so, hopefully it works! As you can see, no discernible micro-bubbles from the Reef Octopus.

surfnsalt · Dec 29, 2015

Looking great. Love the scape.

Chrisfish · Dec 29, 2015

SoonerBerrios said:
ChrisFish, finally got to taking a tank pic. This is my first attempt uploading so, hopefully it works! As you can see, no discernible micro-bubbles from the Reef Octopus.

nice picture, good job!!
Really nice tank, thanks so much !! Can't wait to get mine going. What lighting are you using?

as I said I can use all the help I can get.

Chrisfish · Dec 29, 2015

Chrisfish said:
nice picture, good job!!
Really nice tank, thanks so much !! Can't wait to get mine going. What lighting are you using?as I said I can use all the help I can get.

And your right I can't see any bubbles.

SoonerBerrios · Dec 29, 2015

Chrisfish said:
nice picture, good job!!
Really nice tank, thanks so much !! Can't wait to get mine going. What lighting are you using?as I said I can use all the help I can get.

Thanks! I'm using the Current Orbit Marine LED. It's good for my current needs, but I will be upgrading next year.

SoonerBerrios · Dec 29, 2015

surfnsalt said:
Looking great. Love the scape.

Thanks!

Chrisfish · Dec 29, 2015

SoonerBerrios said:
Thanks! I'm using the Current Orbit Marine LED. It's good for my current needs, but I will be upgrading next year.

That's the one I'm looking at on Amazon, like you said I think it will work for me right now and I'll go from there, thanks again!

Chrisfish · Dec 30, 2015

Ok now that I have some great suggestions for a skimmer, on a 30?gallon nano do you think I need a filter as well? Not doing a sump at this time.

twilliard · Dec 30, 2015

Do you want to succeed? Listen close.
Skimmer design is imperative first and foremost.
Now the removal of excess feeding is next.
Mechanical filtration will be your friend so without running a sump you are looking at a hob mechanical filtration method. In this... bigger is better
Dont become lax on cleaning the filters as your po4 will become an issue.

Chrisfish · Dec 30, 2015

twilliard said:
Do you want to succeed? Listen close.
Skimmer design is imperative first and foremost.
Now the removal of excess feeding is next.
Mechanical filtration will be your friend so without running a sump you are looking at a hob mechanical filtration method. In this... bigger is better
Dont become lax on cleaning the filters as your po4 will become an issue.

thank you , I currently have an hob Aqua clear on my 8 gallon but will upgrade to a larger model. I am very diligent as to doing water changes, changing filter floss, carbon and purigen. I love my sea creatures and take it very serious. At a later time a sump and refugium could be added but for me it's medium steps at a time.

I appreciate all the knowledge and expierence from you and everyone here that is why I ask questions.