Skimmer Upgrade for a NOOB

[SteveG66]

Big time NOOB here!!! But I've learned a lot and have a long way to go, hope someone can help my daughter and i.

 

Thinking I just decided on a new skimmer for our 34g Solana to replace the noisy stock skimmer, think I have it narrowed down to the HOB offerings from Reef Octopus, there's three that catch my eye: the Classic 90, Classic 100 and Classic 1000. These three have good reviews and appear to be very similar, would love to have the BH 50 becuase I like the red accents, but don't think it'll work for me.

 

I was really considering the AcquaMaxx HOB but having a hard time justifying the difference in price.

 

Anyone running any of these?

 

My priorities are good skimming on a currently lightly stocked 34 and quiet. I'd prefer to keep it going into the first chamber of my tank so I can use my InTank media basket. Have 2 clowns, 1 goby/pistol, 2 peppermints, and a few crabs and snails.

 

Thoughts and opinions are really appreciated. Thanks in advance for any help, it's really appreciated.

 

Steve and Izzy

[zooman72]

I have run the AquaMaxx HOB in the past, and have seen the Reef Octo's in person at a LFS a while back - IMO, the AquaMaxx is the best HOB out there in its size range, and I would not hesitate to run one again...

[StevieT]

If you want HOB Aquamaxx

 

Don't want to see it, Tunze 9001 in Ch 1

[Horerczy]

I've used the Reef octopus BH90 which is the old name for the classic 90. It's a darn fine skimmer.

 

Honestly though with an AIO tank I'd be running something internal like the Tunze 9001. Keep as much equipment hidden as possible for the form factor goodness.

[Clown79]

I've heard the Tunze are really good skimmers.

[SteveG66]

Thanks everyone for your help, I ended up ordering a Aquamaxx HOB-1 and just received tonight. The inflow is on the left side and the outflow is on the right side (from looking at the backside of the aquarium).

 

My incoming into the back starts on the right side with going to the AIO sump and goes to through the current skimmer, overflows into my InTank basket and then goes through a bottom baffle into the return chamber.

 

Can the intake and output occupy the same chamber or should they be seperated?

 

I was so looking forward to this to work, am I overthinking this? Any input would be appreciated.

 

Thanks,
Steve G

[Canadianeh]

I have a brand new Ghost Skimmer Mid size that I have not used, and I am on the fence whether to exchange it for Aquamaxx HOB-1 or not. I like the built quality and Italian made pump of Aquamaxx, but I don't like the size and its visibility on my Fusion 40.

On the other hand, Ghost Skimmer the build quality is not as good as Aquamaxx HOB and mixed reviews of microbubles, but it fits perfectly on chamber 2 & 4.

I wish Tunze 9001 or 9004 will fit into the same chambers as using intank media in chamber 1 &2 is a must for me.

 

Hmmmm I am torn in the middle. :=(

[SteveG66]

Canadian,

 

From what I can tell, The AM HOB1 looks like a great skimmer, quality and craftsmanship were awesome, just wish it works with my system.... If the input and output were swapped, I'd figure a way to make it work.

 

On a positive note, I ordered from Premium Aquatics and have since talked with them and they are fantastic to work with, fortunately for me they are within an hours drive so I can run down there and exchange for something that will work for my application.

 

Good luck and hope you're able to come to a decision.

 

SteveG

[Canadianeh]

Canadian,

 

From what I can tell, The AM HOB1 looks like a great skimmer, quality and craftsmanship were awesome, just wish it works with my system.... If the input and output were swapped, I'd figure a way to make it work.

 

On a positive note, I ordered from Premium Aquatics and have since talked with them and they are fantastic to work with, fortunately for me they are within an hours drive so I can run down there and exchange for something that will work for my application.

 

Good luck and hope you're able to come to a decision.

 

SteveG

SteveG

 

Why you need it the other way around? Does it matter if it takes water from the left or right side since it is still part of the AIO sump anyway?

 

For reference my tank is Innovative Marine Fusion 40

[SteveG66]

To be honest I'm not sure...I wa planning on discharging the skimmer treated water into the next chamber, which is where I have a filter floss and chemical as well...again I'm a noob so maybe what I'm thinking doesn't matter?