Protein skimmer?

rick6034 · Nov 30, 2016

I'm looking for a good, reasonably priced skimmer for my 40g reef. I would like a HOB unit as I don't want anything in the tank and I don't have a sump. I'm looking at the REEF OCTOPUS 100. Can I get some input as to what I should use.
Thank You!

Reeferdood · Nov 30, 2016

Well,
Welcome to R2R!
When it comes to skimmers you get what you pay for. I like Reef Octo and Aqua C for HOB skimmers. You really can't go wrong with either.
Like everything in the hobby, my choices are debatable. Get what you can comfortably afford.
My .02..

rick6034 · Nov 30, 2016

Thank You!, I'll give them a look. I know for a successful REEF I have to have a skimmer, honestly a lot of the research I've done on the subject tells me I can expect a wet floor, but with anything you have to do what you have to do and adapt, over come, & improvise. [emoji927][emoji41][emoji482][emoji496]

Reeferdood · Nov 30, 2016

Well,
That is also debatable..
There are several successful reefkeepers that do not skim.
Not my method but others choose not to use a skimmer.
I personally swear by them.

rick6034 · Nov 30, 2016

Whoops, typed that wrong. Should be Adapt, Improvise, & Overcome. Everything I've read ya pretty much SHOULD use one right?.

Reeferdood · Nov 30, 2016

Well that really only depends on what type of nutrient export you plan to employ should you NOT choose to skim..
So many ways to be successful in this hobby..
Personally I would skim since you don't have a sump...

rick6034 · Nov 30, 2016

I found a Reef Octopus 100 on Amazon for $150.00, I think I'm going to order it. I set up the tank on Sunday, holding stable with temp at 77, and salinity at 1.023 so tomorrow I'm going to pick up my cleaning crew, (crabs, shrimp, & snails), and two clown fish for my daughter. A black and white and an orange and white so I better get a skimmer soon to keep them happy and healthy. [emoji927][emoji41][emoji482][emoji496]

Reeferdood · Nov 30, 2016

Whoa!!!
Not so fast on the fish!!
Let the tank go through the cycle first!
Gotta get you started off right..

nervousmonkey · Nov 30, 2016

rick6034 said:
I found a Reef Octopus 100 on Amazon for $150.00, I think I'm going to order it. I set up the tank on Sunday, holding stable with temp at 77, and salinity at 1.023 so tomorrow I'm going to pick up my cleaning crew, (crabs, shrimp, & snails), and two clown fish for my daughter. A black and white and an orange and white so I better get a skimmer soon to keep them happy and healthy. [emoji927][emoji41][emoji482][emoji496]

I wouldn't get that Reef Octo. Had one, all the plumbing on the outside, pump as well, and it overflows frequently. If you do get it, get a controller with a pressure switch for the lid when it overflows...

rick6034 · Nov 30, 2016

Not sure what's happening here, site keeps crashing on me?, how long for cycling?. What about cleaners? [emoji927][emoji41][emoji482][emoji496]

nervousmonkey · Nov 30, 2016

Also, if you do get it, be careful taking it apart to clean, some of the pump parts can break easily... Take a look at the Deltec HOB skimmer MCE300... It is foolproof and will skim really well. Best skimmer out there. You can probably find a used one somewhere... Adam can help you out as well, @Battlecorals

Reeferdood · Nov 30, 2016

A full nitrogen cycle can take up to a month..
I would look up nitrogen cycle and read it till you understand it..
I know it is exciting to satart up a new tank but patience is the main key to success in this hobby..
I would hate to see you loose your fish and I'm sure your daughter would agree..
Please be patient, you will thank me later...

recess62 · Nov 30, 2016

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/the-supreme-guide-to-setting-up-a-saltwater-reef-aquarium.138750/

Check out this thread. Lots of great info on what to expect during your cycle

2Shainz · Nov 30, 2016

The Aquamaxx HOB-1 is an amazing Skimmer. Check them out.
I decided on it over the Reef Octo 100.

rick6034 · Nov 30, 2016

Thank You Everyone for your input!, reeferdood your A GREAT HELP!, I do understand the patients, being from Key Largo when your driving into the Keys from Homested across the 18 mile stretch, ( EXTREMELY DANGEROUS STRETCH OF HIGHWAY!), there are signs about 1/8th a mile apart, patients........pays......... 2 miles to passing zone. The first two signs have stuck with me my whole life, PATIENTS PAYS!.

Walts O · Dec 1, 2016

I'm using an ice cap k2 50 you can hang it or put it in sump my tank is 34 gallons with maybe 7 gallons in sump started skimming right away and best part only 129 dollars

Acan Skywalker · Dec 1, 2016

Reeferdood said:
Whoa!!!
Not so fast on the fish!!
Let the tank go through the cycle first!
Gotta get you started off right..

+1 on being patience, only bad things happen when we rush things in this hobby

Scott Miano · Dec 7, 2016

Acan Skywalker said:
+1 on being patience, only bad things happen when we rush things in this hobby

Aquamaxx HOB-1 is hands down the best. In fact I would put Aquamaxx/JNS Skimmers up against any skimmer on the market. I was going to purchase a Bubble King at $2400.00 and LFS owner challenged me to purchase the Aquamaxx/JNS skimmer at $430.00 and if I was not satisfied he would buy me the Bubble King Skimmer. Well two years later still running the Aquamaxx/JNS ConeS CO3. No regrets.