Skimmer Challenged

[asonitez]

I recently Acquired a great Lighting system for my aquarium so that I can possibly start a small reef. I have a cycled tank waiting for some life and I think that I might need a Skimmer


55 gal
65LBS Live Sand
55LBS Live Rock
3 Hermit Crabs (Larry,Curly,Moe)

At the Moment I have a EHEIM PRO Canister Filter I picked up at Petco because it was priced incorrectly and I got away with an expensive filter Rated for a 100g + Tank for 75 bucks.. (Really)

In either case the canister filter works absolutely fantastic. Its FAST Clear the water incredibly well all my parameters are great but I know the addition of biological life will increase the waste in the water.


I love the fact that my tank ONLY extends 2 inches from the wall for cleaning purposes and for the running of the hoses from the canister filter.

I need a Skimmer that will run just a 2 hoses at most to the Tank and be inconspicous in the cabinet below. PLEASE help.

Do I even NEED a Skimmer?
http://cgi.ebay.com/Aquarium-Surface-Sk ... dZViewItem


I see those alot and it makes me Wonder

-Aso

 

[asonitez]

sorry for the multiple posts my browser is also challenged.

 

[cindre2000]

The main issue with a canister filter is that it keeps the trapped waste in the water column, allowing it to continue to break down. A skimmer completly removes the waste from the water column, preventing this process. I would just look into a hang on skimmer, its your best bet for that sized tank.

 

[trido]

First of all, :welcome:

For a 55G reef you will most likely want skimmer of some capacity. Depending on what kind of corals you are going to keep will depend on how efficient it really needs to be. Softies for example can handle, and actually prefer the water a little dirtier. The better you buy now, the happier you will be in the long run because like alot of us (reefers), you may want to upgrade. Trust everyone on that.
The link you provided is only a water intake attachment for a skimmer. Not an actual skimmer Alot of arganics in a reef form an oil slick on the waters surface so to pull your skimmer water from there helps boost a skimmers effects.
For a tank your size you can either get a sump and overflows and put a nice big skimmer in there, http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_AquariumP ... ef_rs.html get a HOB skimmer http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_AquariumP ... a_pro.html or, spend a little extra on an in tank skimmer which, from what I hear, is super quiet in the world of skimmers. http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_AquariumP ... assic.html

Good luck, The biggest advice I can give is read and read some more and research all of your purchases well before buying anything.
Remember, nothing good happens quickly in a reef tank.