[jleet]

I have seen these SeaClone Protein Skimmers on may sites, and at my LFS. They are priced very good, i have seen them for about $80. Is this TOO cheap for a good protein skimmer? Also, is this a good, reliable brand? Any advice on some inexpensive but GOOD protein skimmers. I also would like opinions about taking out my whisper filter when i get a protein skimmer. I have heard to leave it in, and also to take it out as soon as i put the skimmer in.
Thanks,
Jason

p.s.
The tank is only a couple months old, do i even need a skimmer yet, or is my whisper filter doing the job?

[RyanG]

Your whisper filter will become a nitrate factory, instead try using live rock, live sand and good water flow and a good protein skimmer...i would look at the Remora, or CPR instead of the seaclone skimmer.

[jleet]

I have about 20 or so pounds of like rock and 20lbs of live sand, will that be ok to start with when i take out my filter and put in a skimmer? I have a 55 gal. tank.

[Gieke]

you need about 1.5 pounds of LR per gallon IMO.

Also the seaclone is not a good skimmer, thats what I had for my first skimmer and it was nothing but problems.

[jleet]

So, i should go ahead and leave my whisper in until i get more like rock?

[Gieke]

I dont know about that, Im in the same boat, I currently have a xp3 filter on my 55 gallon, only have live rock rubble in it, about 15 pounds, it polishes the water nicely and moves water pretty good also, I am working on my sump as we speak and have about 30 pounds of LR in the tank, So with 45 pounds of LR and the xp3 I still will only have fish in the tank (once its done cycling) untill I get the sump completed and get another 50 pounds or so of LR.

If you need an inexpensive and effective protein skimmer I have a won brothers and it seems to work quite well, and was only $70 online.

What kind of tank are you building?

[jleet]

FOWLR for now, but mostly likely goinh to be a reef. I just invested in some new CF lights and they are great. I was trying to figure out my rock/filter/skimmer before i went to in depth in reefing. I am a little confused as to where to start with the whole reef building stuff, so you'll likely see a new thread posted in the reef discussion.

[plecosword]

I think you should take of the power filter when you get a skimmer, i recoment you stay away from the seaclone. Stay away from air stone driven skimmers too. Its funny how were all setting up 55 gallon tanks.

[jleet]

How come on here everyone seems to be putting the seaclone skimmer down, but all i seem to be reading are positive reviews on websites who sell them? This concerns me

[plecosword]

Well thats because probably those reviews are made right when they buy the skimmer, many people have had bad experience with this skimmer like the time there were tiny bubbles all over the DT.

[tomc1980]

Pleco makes a good point why the crap would the people that are trying to sell you a seaclone skimmer put up negative reviews of the product. Would seem kinda counter productive =p. Im just gonna spend a bit more money and get a good one from word go.

[plecosword]

for your tank i would get one rated for at least about 150g maybe. Im probably geting the berlin hang-on that is rated for up to 250g!