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Hi,

According to the information found in the FAQ of this web site, the best skimmers are the ones that have the following : counter-current and uses a venturi to supply air. Having a degree in chemical processing, I can see the logic behind the preference of counter-current vs co-current. You get a much higher exchange rate that way. As for the air supply, I think it's simply a matter of logic again. A venturi needs no maintenance, no replacement. Other means of supplying air often use a wood/glass stone which will eventually clog up and will need to be replaced.

That being said, I've browsed through a lot of models of skimmers. I do NOT have a sump but I might have one in the future. So I came across this model from Coralife that is rather inexpensive and seems to have all the features that I want. Here's a link to the company web site for you to look at.

http://www.esuweb.com/cardfile.asp?ItemNumber=33002&IDProductRelationship=326

What do you guys think? Oh... almost forgot. My tank is 35 gal but I plan on expanding one day so I want a unit strong enough that will accomodate me now and in the future. Any other brands I should look at? What is your favorite unit and why?

Thx,

Sponge

I love my skimmer.

I have an AquaC EV w/ a Mag5 pump, and the extended overflow cup too. This way if it gets full, it has somewhere else to go, and when that fills up, it shuts the skimmer off, so there's no disaster.

It's very user friendly, and does a great job. You should see some of the gack it pulls outta my tank. It's very easy to adjust, and it can be used in sump or out of sump. I had mine out at first, but I'm more happy with it's performance inside my tank. Sorta pricey, but a good skimmer is usually expensive.

I know a lot of people who also have had good luck with Aquamedic's turboflotor, though I've heard it's can be a little tricky to initiate.


-Ferret [img src='/images/forums/halo.gif' border=0]

-Formerly known as the Ferretfish

Oh dear! I bet you LOVE your skimmer. You know how much this baby would cost me in here : Over $500 ! I am sure it does a wonderful job and I thank you very much for sharing your opinion. Your favorite unit is a bit over what my bank account can handle at the moment BUT... be sure that your words were not in vain. I will remember your comments and one day, I'll have the top of the top like you!!!

Thx again,

Sponge

Coral Life makes a pretty good skimmer. That would work fine, probably be over kill for your tank right now, but would work.

Just a side note here; venturies are really only more effective up to a certain point, being size of tank. Then the large airstone driven skimmers do a much better job. Like on my buddies 2,200 gal and 10,000 gal tanks. With the high flow of water that needs to go through the skimmers, the venturi would just send out all the air bubbles into the tank. Of course his skimmers are 6 foot tall on the 2,200 gal tank, and 10 foot tall/2 foot dia on the 10,000 gal tank.

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There is always a bigger fish...

LMAO ACID ! 10ft skimmer... a bit "over the top" model I would say. I won't comment on the 2000gal tank except for this : Lucky (censured) !!!

Coralife : Cool, so you've heard of people using them or from personnal experience? I'm curious.

Cheers and thx for the answer!

Sponge

From several people I know. For my small tank, I use a HOB type, all I need.
And for the reef tank I have a home made one that is exceptional.
If you are looking for a good one for just the 35 size tank, that is cost effective, and really does a very good job, try the seaclone. I also have one of these and it works very well. You have to spend some time dialing in the correct air flow, and I suggest you to get an after market cheap screw type adjustment and not use the one that comes with the product. I have been using mine for about 10-12 years now.

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There is always a bigger fish...

yea ive heard there pretty good, im probaly going to get one myself

Ok guys ! With the comments I have, I will put an order in for a 125g Coralife unit and give you my opinion and comments once it's going. Mind you, since it's my very first skimmer, I won't be able to compare it but I can at least comment on the instructions, the way it's built, the quality of the material used and so on.

Thanks again!!! You are the best!

Sponge

PS : ACID : Did you really think that I would let you go that easy on your DIY unit. Nahhhhh ! MORE INFO PLEASE!!! Start a new thread if you have too but I want to know how you did it. Cheers mate!

Not my design, but a friend of mine that used to build them.

FYI, when you get your skimmer set up, you will not get much if any at all, at first. Due to your new tank. It usually takes 1-2 months before you start seeing a moderate output of gunk. You want it coming out as slimey and thick as you can.

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There is always a bigger fish...

Thx again ACID. Noted.

Sponge