Protein skimmer without sump

[drud0616]

Hey everyone,
I've been reading a ton of conflicting information regarding setting up a reef tank, however the one thing that seems to always be recommended is a protein skimmer.
The problem I'm running into is my current tank setup does not contain a sump. I'd like to avoid having one as this can get very unsightly and I don't have a place to hide it in my tiny NYC apartment. I have a Cascade 1000 canister filter which connects to my 55 gallon tank. The questions I have is A: do I need a protein skimmer with this type of filter and B: how would I set this up given the lack of a sump. I hear that the "hang-on" skimmers aren't a covert good option either.

Thank you in advance!

 

[Reefing Madness]

In a 55g tank it would be a very good idea to run a skimmer. If however you can keep up with larger water changes to keep the water params in check, then go without. It will get expensive in the long run keeping up with the WC, but thats the option.
Yes, HOB Skimmers are right there for everyone to see, not able to hide em. But there are some very good han on back skimmers out there, they go on the back of the tank, easy enough to set up, no need to run a sump. I don't have one, and I run 2 HOB Skimmers.

 

[vic67]

Defnitely regular WCs if you're not going to use a skimmer. Is your tank on top of a piece of furniture so that you can't place anything under it?

 

[drud0616]

I have a small cabinet underneath my tank. It should be large enough to house my canister filter and a skimmer. So it sounds like despite having a canister filter, it's recommended to add a protein skimmer as well to avoid having to do frequent water changes. Any recommendations on the brand (I'd like to keep it under $100)?

 

[Reefing Madness]

Filters dont do much for sw systems, not nearly as much as skimmers do. And hang on back skimmers wont go under your cabinet, they hang on the back of your tank.
I dont have any recommendations for a skimmer under $100.

 

[AZDesertRat]

The skimmer will need to be a HOB, you can't place it under the tank or you will have a flood. Skimmers work by mixing air and water into a foam or froth so need to be partially above the water surface for the air column to work.

 

[ReefMadScientist]

Sorry I must be missing something here...

Your worry is that you do not want to add a sump because it will take up too much room in your NYC apartment. Is your tank on the floor or on a stand?

I am assuming stand. With that, how come you can't just add a 20g sump underneath your tank? Is it drilling the tank that you do not want? If so, you can always work around that...

 

[drud0616]

You're absolutely right that I probably can add a sump, however I already have a canister filter and would rather continue to use that for the time being, given that I'm pretty new to this hobby. I'm sure eventually I will add one. I would like to use a protein skimmer but don't have any experience in connecting it to my existing setup.

 

[ReefMadScientist]

You're absolutely right that I probably can add a sump, however I already have a canister filter and would rather continue to use that for the time being, given that I'm pretty new to this hobby. I'm sure eventually I will add one. I would like to use a protein skimmer but don't have any experience in connecting it to my existing setup.

Ah ok. Yeah those canisters can be fairly large.

Since you are new...I assume, yes a LOT OF ASSUMING LOL, your tank is new? If so, ditch the canister and add a sump. Then you will fix your protein skimmer woes.

 

[vlangel]

I use a hob prizm pro skimmer. It would be a bit small for a 55g but they work OK, pulls out lots of gunk so its definitely doing something. The skimmer basket and intake do hang in the tank which is a negative in that its not pretty but its not terrible either. A plus is its not terribly pricey as far as skimmers go and its easy to operate.

 

[drud0616]

Thanks for the advice ReefMadScientist. Like I said I have no doubt that the sump is the better way to go. At this time id like to keep the canister filter. If you have any recommendations on the kind of protein filter to use...I'd love to hear about it

 

[ReefMadScientist]

Thanks for the advice ReefMadScientist. Like I said I have no doubt that the sump is the better way to go. At this time id like to keep the canister filter. If you have any recommendations on the kind of protein filter to use...I'd love to hear about it

I tried lol

HOB skimmer is the way to go.

 

[BODI]

Do yourself a favor and ditch the idea of using a canister filter if you intend to keep a "reef" aquarium... the only way I would consider using one is on a fish-only aquarium (FOWLR) and even then it's not the best option. They are known to become "nitrate factories" without constant cleaning and high maintenance!

As mentioned, you can make use of a hang-on-back style skimmer without the need for a sump. You can probably find a decent used one for well under $100.

Another option for you to consider (without the need for a sump) is the use of a internal skimmer such as the Tunze DOC, although they are fairly expensive (again, you may be able to find a deal on a lightly used one). I have been running a DOC9010 in a 55g for about a year now, which was a big upgrade over any of the HOB skimmers I had tried previously, although it does have it's own couple downsides as well...

 

[abinder]

I have a JBJ 45 gallon all-in-one and have the Tunze 9004 in the back of mine. It seems to be working really good and pulls all sorts of 'sludge' and green colored gunk water out of the tank. It's also very, very quiet. It's about $154.00.
Tunze Comline DOC Protein Skimmer 9004

I've seen videos on YouTube of people using it inside their tank at the water line and they seem to be very happy with it.


Allen

 

[Reefing Madness]

Reef Octopus BH1000 Hang-on-the-Back Protein Skimmer - Bulk Reef Supply
AquaMaxx HOB-1 Hang-On-Back Protein Skimmer

 

[ritter6788]

The Aqua C Remora PRO worked great on my 75 before I had a sump. It's over $100 but you can buy a black overflow box to cover up the pumps in your tank so they won't be seen.

 

[WindeyD]

I run an Aqua C Remora Pro on my sump less 40 breeder and have nothing but good things to say about it; see if you can find a used one on craigslist

 

[vic67]

If you wanted to go the the trouble there's a guy selling a used AquaC Remora on CL in Chicago. $20. IDK if hotlinking is allowed but the post is easy to find. Figure another $15 or $20 for shipping.

And my dislcaimer - I do NOT know this person; I just saw the post. lol

 

[Reef_a_holiks]

If you looking for something that cheap. get a odyssea pro pack skimmer, with a rio 800rvt pump. This skimmer is hang on back , and will run you no more than about $65. Ive ran this setup on my previous setup for a year, and worked great, never had any issue. Water always check in to have zero nitrates and zero phosphates

 

[drud0616]

If you looking for something that cheap. get a odyssea pro pack skimmer, with a rio 800rvt pump. This skimmer is hang on back , and will run you no more than about $65. Ive ran this setup on my previous setup for a year, and worked great, never had any issue. Water always check in to have zero nitrates and zero phosphates

Is this skimmer rated for a 55 gallon tank?