Whats a good skimmer for a small tank, between 10 and 30g?

--Dan

Bak Pak

The Back Pak 2 is a good skimmer to be sure if it is purchased with a Maxi-Jet pump as opposed to a Rio pump. I think its way too much skimmer for a 10 gallon tank though, as its rated for a tank considerably larger (granted, manufactuires often give generous recommendations for thier skimmers). I think this skimmer is best reserved for 30-55 gallon tanks.

Over skimming can be just as big a problem as not skimming on a reef tank. For SPS corals it might take a considerable skimmer to accomplsih this but for corals such as Goniopora, Elegance Corals that generally come from Lagoon type setting where the water is not quiet so pristine, over skimming can be a problem.

Dont take this the wrong way and think that I am opposed to skimmers in reef tanks cuase thats not the case at all. its actuially an excellent piece of equipment that adds emensely to a systems filtration capacity. Its just on tanks 20 gallons and less dont usually utilize a skimmer due to their small size and regular water changes are usaully quiet sufficient t keep things in check. As such there arent a whole lot of reserach dollars spent on skimmers for these tanks.

For your 10 gallon about the smallest skimmer I can think of that wouldnt be over kill, is a mini-flotor for sale at Dr Fosters & Smith for about 38.00 US$. I havent used one of these so I cant comment to its usefulness.

I honestly thought it was too big they really don't make skimmers to go on ten gallon tanks I have never really used anything like the mini box floters. so can't give a comment on it.

You got that one right saltfreak, they just dont make a whole lot out there for those smaller nanos. That really kinda makes it tough deciding what you need since a lot of things that apply to the bigger tanks become irrelevant.

Actually I might be switching to a 30g.

What do you guys think? What skimmer would be good for this size?

--Dan

Back Pack 2 or the Aqua C Remora. Either should be more than enough and make sure that the pump that comes with them is not a Rio! If you are keeping corals then I would suggest that the skimmer be turned off for about 12 hours after feeding...ie I would turn the skimmer off and feed my corals in the morning and allow the skimmer to stay off all day during the 12 hour period the lights are on and then when lights go off fire the skimmer back up and let it run 24/7 until feeding them later on a few days later. This will allow the corals to extend there polyps and make a feast out of what food is available that you have added. Then the skimmer coming back on will remove what ever excess they failed to get and clean the water up for you leaving the tank looking pristine for the next several days.

Just a thought...