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Hi,
I am thinking of starting a marine tank up sometime in the future, and i am trying to find out what are the best, cost effective skimmers. Only problem is that i don't know what size tank i am going to go with yet. It will probably be a four foot tank with 2 - 3 foot sump.

Also - is it bad to over skim your water?

Thanks everyone!

You really can't overskim, per say.

But there is a point where it is no longer cost effective to use a larger skimmer because although it removes more, the cost to purchase, operate, and maintain are much higher for an insignificant difference.

Unfortunally, Im not really familiar with what you have avaliable in Aus.

also interested in knowing b/c i'm thinking of getting one for my 30g tank...first question is if it is really necessary? i plan on making it a reef tank so i thought maybe i should splurge on one....and as far as which brand ppl use/ which one they've had great success with...deciding between the Red Sea Prizm skimmer and the Aquarium Systems Seaclone which they rate for up to 100g...the latter comes with a powerhead already to run it for cheaper than the Red Sea brand...both cost about $60 which is aldy more than i want to spend but if it is necessary for a reef tank i will spend the money

You should defentinally get one.

Neither of those brands you mentioned are really very good though. They may do the job on a 30 gallon though, you'll just have to watch them more closely.

so what brand would u recommend? again, it's my first SW setup so i'm not too familiar with what everyone uses...i want one that will do the job for a 30g well and not b too pricey, say over $100...i've heard that it's pointless to buy one that can do a 100g tank since it's not really necessary for my size tank and i'll just end up wasting the money i spent...i'd like some good suggestions though

For a skimmer that is not over $100 you wont find one that works well. I would say you need to look in the $200 range to find a skimmer for a smaller tank that will function properly and work well.


Also, dont really pay any attention to skimmer "ratings"....There are alot of things that factor into a skimmers performance, such as riser neck shape, chamber height/design, pump, venturi, needle wheel, etc.....Also your bioload.


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