protein skimmer on a budget

[coralosity351]

What's a skimmer I that is reliable with out breaking the bank my budget is only about 150 for one?

 

[pickupman66]

I have used this skimmer for almost 2 years on my tank. It is the SCA-302 from SC Aquariums. Zero issues and absolutely produces a nice funk. not sure of your tank size but I have about 80 gallons of water volume.

http://www.amazon.com/SCA-302-Gallon-Protein-Skimmer-Version/dp/B00HLXJ6EU

 

[coralosity351]

It's a 55 sry

 

[Salt Creep]

Look at the coral box d300/d500. I just ordered the d700 a few days ago for my frag tank of around 65 gallons so can't comment too much, but I have heard nothing but good things.

 

[reeferfoxx]

Keep in mind, you get what you paid for.

 

[Salt Creep]

Keep in mind, you get what you paid for.

I usually would agree with this, but I have 3 Jebao WP-25s that have been running for 2+ years without issue.

 

[reeferfoxx]

I usually would agree with this, but I have 3 Jebao WP-25s that have been running for 2+ years without issue.

Err I'd have to agree with you if this were in another thread. Uhhh that said, when it comes to skimmers, you get what you pay for.

 

[rock_lobster]

Skimmer on a budget is once monthly water changes

 

[vic67]

Do you have a sump or are you looking for a HOB? If it's in-sump I have an Eshopps PSK and it works well. I think that line is in your price range.

 

[coralosity351]

It will be in a sump once my overflow gets here

 

[smh254]

+1 SCA

 

[Bob Escher]

The coralvue icecap PK series are fantastic let alone small
PK 50 goes up to 80 gallons
http://www.coralvue.com/icecap?cat=305


I paid 146 for mine

 

[mcarroll]

What's a skimmer I that is reliable with out breaking the bank my budget is only about 150 for one?

If you're on a serious budget, why not shop for used? Skimmers are great second-hand purchases. Capitalize on someone else's upgrade - save your cash!

An AquaC Remora is a hand-on skimmer that can usually be found used for around $100 - less without a pump. (Takes a standard MaxiJet or similar) Perfect for a 55 gallon!

You wouldn't need to mess with the drain box or sump that way either.

The Remora has an in-sump cousin called the Urchin....also an excellent skimmer, but not nearly as popular, so it doesn't show up used as frequently either. But there are scads of in-sump skimmers you could also find used pretty easily.

Technically the Urchin and Remora are pretty close to your New price-range* so I'd recommend one of them for your consideration even if you don't want to buy used.

They're a little bit old-school since they don't use a needle-wheel pump, but that has no effect on results. This is a solid design and very easy to live with. It's also one of the most upgradable skimmers out there, partly because it uses an ordinary pump (which you can swap out for a bigger one), but also due to the design in general.

Just a thought!

* $180 for the base-model with pump....if you already have a MaxiJet or Cobalt 1200 there's a bare-skimmer model if you can find someone selling it.

 

[the new guy]

I'd check eBay you can find some pretty good deals there

 

[Cory]

My sca 302 pump broke. While it worked good, it diddnt last.

 

[Joe Funari]

I would search ebay. You can usually find good ones there since people are constantly upgrading. I recently purchased a Reef Octopus Classic BH-1000 HOB, but it doesn't fit behind my tank, still new in box. My loss could be your gain, PM me if interested.

 

[glb]

SCA is highly recommended. I just bought on for my 40g build.