What's a good HOB filter and protein skimmer that won't break the bank?

[PJs_Bucket_List_Reef_75]

I have a 45 gallon, undrilled tank. The tank is tall and narrow, and I have very little accessible space in the stand cabinet for a sump, so HOB it is. This is a new setup for a new hobbyist, and I can't break the bank starting out. What do y'all recommend?

 

[Fritz05]

I like the Seachem Tidal series. I have two (55 and 110) on two tanks, and they work reliably and quietly for several years now. Cleaning is also easy. The main drawback in my view is the relatively large footprint in the tank, as the pump is in the water. This however allows it to self-prime after a power outage.

The 55 is around $50 and should be the right size.

Many also recommend the Fluval Aquaclear, which is a bit cheaper. I have never used it personally, but read many good reviews.

 

[FUNGI]

AquaClear for filter....massive box for media
eshopps PSKHOB for skimmer......

 

[exnisstech]

Maybe a tunze comline skimmer vs hob. It goes in tank so you loose a little space but won't have to worry if it over flows. I ran one once few years back and also ran an reef octopus hob. I would never run another hob by choice.

 

[jft]

Over 30 years experience with multiple tanks reefs to fresh to Paludariums. Tried most Filters. Aquaclear filters are the best for space and media and are customizable. Hang on skimmers Reef Octo are the best IMO. Well made and around for long enough to people to have experience with them and parts Readilyavailable at Coralvue. Good Luck!

 

[landlubber]

AquaClear for filter....massive box for media
eshopps PSKHOB for skimmer......

i've had only good luck with aquaclear filters but have only used them in a freshwater setup. that being said, you do have to stick to your maintenance schedule so they don't plug up

 

[FUNGI]

Over 30 years experience with multiple tanks reefs to fresh to Paludariums. Tried most Filters. Aquaclear filters are the best for space and media and are customizable. Hang on skimmers Reef Octo are the best IMO. Well made and around for long enough to people to have experience with them and parts Readilyavailable at Coralvue. Good Luck!

and on sale.....

Classic 1000 HOB Protein Skimmer (OPEN BOX)

Hang-On-Back Protein Skimmer Rated for up to 130 Gallons Footprint: 8" x 3.5" | Height: 17"Pump: Reef Octopus Aquatrance 1000s ITEM IS NEW WITH DAMAGED BOX

store.coralvue.com

That is a awesome skimmer.......

 

[PJs_Bucket_List_Reef_75]

I like the Seachem Tidal series. I have two (55 and 110) on two tanks, and they work reliably and quietly for several years now. Cleaning is also easy. The main drawback in my view is the relatively large footprint in the tank, as the pump is in the water. This however allows it to self-prime after a power outage.

The 55 is around $50 and should be the right size.

Many also recommend the Fluval Aquaclear, which is a bit cheaper. I have never used it personally, but read many good reviews.

Thank you! I appreciate the detailed information, super helpful! I'll look into this.

 

[PJs_Bucket_List_Reef_75]

Wow, thanks to everyone! Great recommendations, plus additional information I hadn't thought about.

 

[Osprey223]

I love the Marineland Penguins. Started in the hobby with one for a 29 gallon. Currently running two on separate ten gallons I have.

 

[lil sumpin]

I love the Marineland Penguins. Started in the hobby with one for a 29 gallon. Currently running two on separate ten gallons I have.

These are classic, I like my Aquaclear just fine.

 

[FUNGI]

@PJs_Bucket_List_Reef_75

...Chatsworth like in SFV?
If so, I have a Aquaclear 110 and a HOB skimmer you can have.....just taking up pace in my storage....
You can PM me

 

[mboley]

The AquaMaxx Bullet hob skimmer is another one you should look at. BRS judged it the best.

 

[FUNGI]

The AquaMaxx Bullet hob skimmer is another one you should look at. BRS judged it the best.

Thats cause BRS is selling them...LOL

 

[Idech]

Tunze internal filter and Tunze internal skimmer. They work great together.

 

[cloak]

For mechanical or perhaps chemical filtration you can't go wrong with an Aquaclear power filter IME. Not really sure if the skimmer is needed though. GL.

 

[Coral Your World]

Aquaclear, on sale now at Petco for pretty cheap relative to their regular price. Have run my nano on one for 4 years. Cleaned once every few months. Never and issue and the one time there was an issue, received a warranty replacement

 

[dkline]

Thank you! I appreciate the detailed information, super helpful! I'll look into this.

I’ve used aquaclear and now have seachem. Both are good. I think I may like seachem better because the pump does self prime, big media box that is easy to remove and the filter has a skimmer function so it not only pulls water from the standard tube but pulls surface water as well. So you are filtering from surface and closer to the bottom from the same filter.

 

[Cichlid Dad]

You can run a successful tank with no skimmer. You don't need a HOB ether. The rock and sand will be your filtration. You just need flow and water changes. With a 45 gallon tank a 10 % water charge per week needs 2 5 gallon buckets. With good lighting and careful coral choices you will be just fine.

 

[PJs_Bucket_List_Reef_75]

You can run a successful tank with no skimmer. You don't need a HOB ether. The rock and sand will be your filtration. You just need flow and water changes. With a 45 gallon tank a 10 % water charge per week needs 2 5 gallon buckets. With good lighting and careful coral choices you will be just fine.

With my specific circumstances, I'm hoping to keep my setup as simple as possible without sacrificing quality of life in my ecosystem. Do you have any stocking suggestions?