Protein Skimmer Help

[cbramsey]

Ok everyone, I need some help/advice. I have done a lot of research on Protein skimmers but feel like I could get the best information here.

I have a 90g tank with eheim 600 canister filter.
100lb sand
65 lb live rock
2 clowns
2 bangai cardinals
1 yellow tang
2 fire shrimp
10 turbo snails
3 hermits
I currently have a chocolate chip star but probably going to trade for reef safe star.

I would like to start with corals and have had some zoanthids and torch corals offered to me. As I begin this I would like to make sure I have the right equipment. what kind of protein skimmer would be recommended? With the canister i am assuming I need a HOB skimmer. I am new to this and don't want to make the mistake of going cheap and getting the wrong item.

TIA for all help and recommendations.

 

[luke33]

Any way you can add a sump to your setup? There are not a ton of nice hot skimmers out there for this large of setup.

If you can't have a sump something like this would work pretty well.

http://www.marinedepot.com/AquaMaxx...quariums_Reefs-AquaMaxx-UJ1191-FIPSHO-vi.html

 

[cbramsey]

I don't know anything about adding a sump, any recommendations or resources?

 

[cbramsey]

OK, I have done some research on Sumps and I have room to put one. Would this basically do away with the need for the canister? Also, is there a good place to buy a preassembled sump tank as I prefer not to build it myself. I do like the idea of putting the heater and such in the sump so it isn't visible in the tank.

 

[luke33]

We have some great sponsors here that could build a sump for you. Also there are pre made sump's out there as well, just check out some sponsors. Your sump is a great place to hide all your equipment like your heaters, skimmer, and a great place for a refugium that will allow you to grow a nice pod population. I personally wouldn't run a canister filter but there are no rules against it : )

Also you can keep an auto top off reservoir under your tank and really make your life easier maintenance wise.

 

[cbramsey]

Would it be possible to hook my canister up as opposed to a return pump. What I would do is basically drill a hole in the bottom of the return section which I would plumb to my canister.