Still shopping for skimmer

[sambrinar]

Anyone have any experience with this skimmer, good or bad reviews??


Aquarium Filtration & Water Quality: SeaClone Protein Skimmer

[Woodstock]

Hi Brenda. What size is your tank?
I've not had any experience with a SeaClone before.

[sambrinar]

Tank is only 15.5 gal. I have that stupid nano skimmer that produces a carbonated water effect with all the bubbles.

I am however, looking at a bigger tank in the near future, (at leat 55 gal) and using the 15 for a QT tank.

[Woodstock]

Okay, someone else with nano experience will need to chime in.
I know not nano skimmers.

[Gina]

Don't have a nano but when we first set up our old 46 we had a seaclone 100. It was ok but not the best. We finally upgraded to a ASM GX1.

[TurboSnail8898]

Seaclone protein skimmers are not very good, but there are other options in the 55 gallon range. For your 15 gallon tank I wouldn't worry too much about getting a skimmer, just do water changes. When you upgrade to a 55, make sure the tank is drilled and has an overflow, that will allow you to have a sump and will really open up your options in terms of filtration.

[sambrinar]

Originally Posted by TurboSnail8898

Seaclone protein skimmers are not very good, but there are other options in the 55 gallon range. For your 15 gallon tank I wouldn't worry too much about getting a skimmer, just do water changes. When you upgrade to a 55, make sure the tank is drilled and has an overflow, that will allow you to have a sump and will really open up your options in terms of filtration.

Thanks for the input, I learned the hard way to ask you guys 1st before buying. If I don't have a predrilled tank, how do it?? I was thinking about getting one of the super systems, which is an 80 tank like this

Aquariums with Stands: Perfecto Aquarium 80 Gallon Euro Prestige Super System

they have everything under the tank, from what I understand, is this a better tank to have?? Just seems more convient, but pricey. I am not too mechanically inclined

[lcstorc]

I wouldn't. It doesn't say what kind of filtration and a lot of other things. If you buy the pieces separately you can get exactly what you want. It will also give you more options if you want to upgrade something or if something breaks.

[sambrinar]

If you click on more information it will give you a diagram... check it out and see if it's a "rip off" Ahh but the upgrades are a good point.

[lcstorc]

Well from Foster's and Smith I wouldn't expect a rip-off but I just think it is a lot more flexible to be able to add things yourself. It is usually less expensive as well.
Looking at the specs it looks similar to a canister filter setup with an overflow. If I got it, I would ditch the filtration that comes with it and add a standard sump with skimmer instead. My other question would be about the hood/lights. How difficult would it be to replace the T5s with more T5s or MH? If you want hard corals, clams, or anemones you are going to want to do one or the other.

[Woodstock]

I would not get that. The sump area is too small for a skimmer and/or refugium and the price for the outfit is VERY high... and the light fixture that comes with it will not be suitable for corals. You can get a sweet set up seperately. Just buy one item at a time and get what you really want.

[sambrinar]

Ahh, see this is why I learned to ask first. Thanks, something to ponder on. I will be a while before getting it. How would I add the sump. Not too sure exactly what a sump is. see I am mechanically challanged.

[Woodstock]

A sump is the container/tank below the main display. It can be as simple as a plastic tub Anything that holds water and has enough room to hold a skimmer, return pump and some chaetomorpha (macro algae).

[sambrinar]

See I am making this tooooo hard. I was going to use my ten gal then a friend of mine says "check this out" to that tank. Thanks for the imput, I will go with my original plan it use the 10 gal tank. I have the link from the diy on building the sump.

Another question, it may sound silly, what do you use for the return pump? obviously I need one pump to the sump and one pump out. that is what is confusing to me

[SJS]

Aaahhh yes i remember the days of being completely clueless, seems like yesterday! (actually it was last week!).
Here's my 2 cents on setting up a sytem. First and most importantly - YOU CAN DO IT YOURSELF!!! Do not be intimidated. Take some time to research different equipment, look through build threads, chronicles etc.. to get ideas. Read all the threads you can - you never know what you might learn. Dont buy a set up prepackaged - there is most likely a bunch of equipment that will not suit your needs. Just take your time and decide what you want and then shop around for good prices. Dr Fosters.. has good prices, but check around.
Setting up a system is hard work but not brain surgery! No one's life is at stake (but do expect some swearing and possible bumps, bruises and frustration! etc..) so relax and enjoy your adventure.
Actually drilling an acrylic tank is not difficult. But you can buy a "reef ready" tank that is predrilled for your sump. Or you can find places that will "customize" a tank (that's what I did).
Think of the sump as the "garage" of your tank - it provides extra space for equipment - heaters, skimmers, etc... it also adds water volume (more water = good stuff!)
Think of a refugium as a pantry to feed your tank. You can incorporate both into one "container". And it doesn't have to be a pre-built container - many people use big rubbermaid tubs.

Sooo - that's enough for now - just have fun. Ask for ideas and post your plans and you will get lots of great advice.