I'm planning on starting a 15g reef tank. I'm just slowly amassing what I need, so that I can kick off my cycle and get going.

I've been on the hunt for a cheap AC110 to turn into a fuge, but I came across a CPR Bak-Pak2 HOB Skimmer for a great price. I'm not even sure it will fit on my tank (the tank is only 12" tall). Can anyone tell me if it will fit on my tank?

What would be more beneficial for me, to have a HOB Fuge or HOB Skimmer? The tank is only 2' long, and I already have a filter which I will run. Eventually I can turf the filter and get the AC110, but this is a budget build and I can only have either or. I plan to stock a pair of clownfish and maybe a chromis or two if I can. I also have a Koralia 1 and 2 for intank flow.

Fuge or Skimmer? I'm leaning towards the skimmer as I'm getting it for such a great price - AC110's always pop up now and then.

Thanks!

Sure grab the Bak-Pak 2. Is it a wonderful skimmer? Meh. It's ok. Better than a red sea skimmer by far, but not as good as a Remora. Your tank is on a stand where the skimmer can hang below the bottom of a tank right? It's much to tall if you are, say, making a counter top tank, but if it can hang off the back as low as it has to it'll work pretty well and certainly give you some decent sludge. AC110s do pop up from time to time as do AC70s which will work for what your going for. I'd keep it to just two fish on the fifteen though, unless you want to add some really tiny gobies.

I say Aqua Clear 70 fuge

Most likely cheaper than both options
Will work effectively for what you have planned.

I would go with the the AC70 fuge as well. I had the CPR Bak Pak skimmer on my frag tank but got rid of it because it didn't really do much of anything.

If you are local to me you can have my AC110 for free. It works but is really loud. It also has a crack ni the top that I patched up with crazy glue. I just want it out of my house.

BluePanda, Thanks for the offer, it's much appreciated. I'm located up in Canada, so i'm far from local. They pop up from time to time on local forums/craigslists, so I'll just pick one up then.

I think I will go for a fuge over the protein skimmer. Thanks for all the advice!