External or HOB Skimmer recommendations for ~50G

[othercents]

I'm trying to find the largest skimmer I can get to fit within my cabinet under my aquarium. I have 22"x8" workable space without more than 4" sq of space in the sump.

My original idea was a Remora AquaC HOB skimmer, however there are much better skimmers that I could use like the Deltec MCE300 or MCE600. There are also external skimmers that should fit in the space, but I'm unsure how well they work externally vs in the sump. Just in case of overflow I should be able to place a 5.5G aquarium into the space.

Let me know if you have any ideas on how to get a nice size skimmer into my space.

 

[Cake_Boss]

There's quite a bit of difference between the aqua c and the deltec, if you can afford it, I'm assuming you can, go for the deltec

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[othercents]

I guess I'm really looking for other ideas like running a H&S A110-F2000 or AquaC EV120 in that same space that a Deltec or Remora would fit into. I really like the idea of running one of those just because of the large collection cups. Was wondering what other skimmers could do the same as the H&S or AquaC EV lines.

FYI. Now that I have to repair my car, I think my funds are limited on skimmers. Just preparing for the future, so I can save cash to get one.

 

[dv3]

you could do better but i ime the remora is all you need for a tank of that size

 

[othercents]

you could do better but i ime the remora is all you need for a tank of that size

Perhaps, but do they skim the same or does a more expensive skimmer work better? Does overskimming allow you to overstock or at least extend water change cycles? I guess at least if all skimmers connected to my tank, disregardless to the size of the skimmer, skimmed the same I will still get a larger collection cup with a External skimmer vs an HOB.

David

 

[dv3]

i think you will see the same amount of skimate coming out of a remora or expensive skimmer for you needs ...my experience with them was on a 55g at the biggest and always had 0 nitrates ...never had tons of coral in that tank but it was stocked pretty good with fish ...if you can find a used one they hold their value pretty well (b/c they are a good skimmer) and you could always sell it for what you paid probably if you wanted to spend more down the line

 

[ryan820]

I run a HOB reef octo 1000... I believe it's rated for 90? Can't remember-- but it does a fantastic job of skimming my water. I don't get much out of it here lately but thats because I have only one fish! The bioload is light and the live rock is teeming. BTW, I have a 46 gal tank. CUC, corals and one sixline (though refugees are expected tomorrow!).

 

[othercents]

I run a HOB reef octo 1000...

yeah I saw that one and actually looked at one at the LFS, but it doesn't fit because the intake and output are on the wrong sides. I would be skimming from the refugium into the overflow section of the sump.

If I have an issue with overskimming then I will just run the skimmer less often instead of 24/7.

 

[Cake_Boss]

You're getting a controller right? If so, you can manage this from the feed modes. Or you can put it on a timer

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[Wicked Color]

I am a remora or urchin backer.

 

[othercents]

You're getting a controller right? If so, you can manage this from the feed modes. Or you can put it on a timer

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Someday, but for now timers seam to work for me.

 

[othercents]

So I picked up an Aquac EV120 from Jeremy for less than a new Remora. This skimmer is rated for 40-120 gallon tank, so my tank is on the low end of the size.