Nano skimmer

robert serafino · May 30, 2019

What's a good Nano skimmer it is going on a aquatop 24 Cube it comes with a skimmer but I'm looking for something that's a little better the compartment It's Goin In is 2 7/8×3in. Any recommendations

lolmatt · May 30, 2019

If a tunze will fit go with that. Compartment seems pretty small, might be stuck with one of those glass tube style (not a bad thing just ugly imo)

BadPanda · May 30, 2019

The with problem with AIO (specially with nano tanks) tanks are the size of the chambers. The same company will offer a direct fit skimmer but has flaws(Coming from reviews). People have had better results with a hangover type skimmers. I had an Eshopps nano skimmer that was decent for my nuvo 20 but, had to tweak it every W/C. Have you tried looking into a refugium instead? Went with a refugium route when I upgraded and so far no problems. How much livestock do you have? Depending on livestock, a simple weekly W/C should be enough for nano tanks.

lolmatt · May 30, 2019

Hang on back is a good idea, the eshopps is nice and so is aquamaxx, the smaller one of theirs is probably good enough for that size tank.

BadPanda · May 30, 2019

lolmatt said:
Hang on back is a good idea, the eshopps is nice and so is aquamaxx, the smaller one of theirs is probably good enough for that size tank.

The hang on type sticks out like a sore thumb to me. I might consider it in a grow out tank but not on a display. When I was planning my upgrade, everyone picked out the aquamaxx hang on skimmer. Hence why I'm currently trying refugium route currently.

lolmatt · May 30, 2019

BadPanda said:
The hang on type sticks out like a sore thumb to me. I might consider it in a grow out tank but not on a display. When I was planning my upgrade, everyone picked out the aquamaxx hang on skimmer. Hence why I'm currently trying refugium route currently.

I also agree with you that a skimmer probably isn't needed on a 24g aio tank...probably 15g of water in there, a 5 gallon bucket is 33% wc, so like $60/yr worth of salt.

I think long term if you want to do an upgrade, move to a drilled tank with sump design to really get good skimmer options.

BadPanda · May 30, 2019

lolmatt said:
I also agree with you that a skimmer probably isn't needed on a 24g aio tank...probably 15g of water in there, a 5 gallon bucket is 33% wc, so like $60/yr worth of salt.

I think long term if you want to do an upgrade, move to a drilled tank with sump design to really get good skimmer options.

That's my plan in a year or two, an actual sump. Need to learn more regarding husbandry and other things before I really go all out.

lolmatt · May 30, 2019

BadPanda said:
That's my plan in a year or two, an actual sump. Need to learn more regarding husbandry and other things before I really go all out.

For both you and OP once you get there, nuvo ext tanks are pretty nice and fairly affordable options for predrilled tanks. Decent size options too. Use your old aio as a qt.

BadPanda · May 30, 2019

lolmatt said:
For both you and OP once you get there, nuvo ext tanks are pretty nice and fairly affordable options for predrilled tanks. Decent size options too. Use your old aio as a qt.

Great minds think alike. That is my plan when upgrade again. Might go with plain 40 breeder for a sump and not the overpriced acrylic sumps.

lolmatt · May 30, 2019

BadPanda said:
Great minds think alike. That is my plan when upgrade again. Might go with plain 40 breeder for a sump and not the overpriced acrylic sumps.

Get a local glass shop to cut you some 1/4" glass, 4 panels gives you enough for 3 compartments, one being for a skimmer with a bubble trap. Got mine for $10/panel, under $100 for the sump total.

robert serafino · May 31, 2019

All I have in there is chalices and a yellow clown goby. I will stay with the w/c every week. I don't even get much algae.

ReeferReefer · May 31, 2019

Aquamaxx HOB 1.5 seems like it would be great for that tank.

Wojtasb · Nov 27, 2019

I’m gonna jump on this post I’ve had my aquatop up and running for 6 months and the skimmer does not work. I’m not using an HOB so I was wondering if an algae scrubber would be a good alternative and if so what size pump to run from that chamber and back up?