Protein skimmer vs HOB filters

My 55g tank currently has 2 HOB filters running on it that seem to be working pretty good. I just can't help but wonder why do so many people choose to go with protein skimmers for there filtration? It seems to me that this option is much more expensive and complicated. I am currently considering a protein skimmer but would like to hear some oppinions on if it would be worth the money. My tank is a fowlr tank right now but I just purchased a really nice light so anemones and corals are not out of the question. Also I would need to get a sump for skimmer to sit in would you recommend premade or just using a smaller tank like a 20 or 29g?

Very new to the idea of sumps, pumps, skimmers, and plumbing (tank not drilled) all help is appreciated

Thanks

 

What's in your hob filter? For fish only, water levels aren't as stern. Also if your happy with the results of your current look, why spend more money?

 

In short, protein skimmer physical remove waste from your water where as filters just trap it in a pad which your water continually flows through until you clean them.

Protein skimmers are not complicated at all once you understand the concept. Also there are plenty HOB skimmers that work very well.

 

The reason you don't notice a difference is because you are fish only. If you want to jump up to corals & nems, protein skimmers are so much more efficient.

Protein skimmers remove dissolved organic material that your HOB just passes through.

They make great HOB skimmers that work good for smaller tanks & are not that expensive

 

Depending on the types and species of corals you plan on keeping, protein skimmers are ESSENTIAL. Many types of soft corals, mushrooms, and zoas, are not particularly bothered by high DOM/DOC (dissolved organic material/dissolved organic contaminates). Many of these species are those which are found on inland/nearland shoals, bays, and lagoons that experience high rates of nutrient loading from terrestrial siltation. That does not mean, that they couldn't be doing better in a lower DOC environment. Many species that are commonly available throughout the trade (and highly sought after) are the scleractinians (sps and lps corals) which DO NOT survive well in high DOC environments, and (if they do survive) will not exhibit the bright coloration that they're known for.

There are many great HOB skimmers, but as with all skimmers I have been through over the years I cannot stress enough how you GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR! It's soooo true. The Reef Octopus HOB skimmers are really good from what I hear. I use an in sump model that I absolutely love. Never had a better skimmer!

 

If you go the sump route in the future you can go with a lot of options. DIY, Pre-made, ghetto. You can used old modified tanks, fancy acrylic pre-made sumps, or a rubbermaid tub.

Your idea of using a 10 gallon or 20 gallon tank will work, but is not ideal. It would be difficult to deal with the air bubbles that would eventually end up in your tank. Therefore baffle walls are used to control the air bubbles and to comparmentalize the sump into chambers for return water, a skimmer area, and a chamber for your return pump. The sump is designed to slow the water down for 'cleaning' by the skimmer, and also to hide all your equipment like heaters, temperature probes, etc.

If you are handy you can build a sump from an old tank. Or you could buy one pre-made. Or you could find a used one....I see them on the board here all the time.

 

Wow so many great replys! That makes sense a skimmer would be better than HOB filter bescause it does not recirculate the water it is cleaning back through a dirty filter cartridge. I am happy with the performance of my filters for now but part of the fun of keeping fish is upgrading equipment /DesktopModules/ActiveForums/themes/_default//emoticons/wink.gif I may choose to get a HOB skimmer as it seems that may be more cost effective for me. My tank is not drilled so if I did get an in sump skimmer I would need to buy both sump, skimmer, and overflow. My budget is very modest right now but a decent HOB skimmer could make a good christmas gift!! In your experiences would you recommend the in sump models over HOB and if so why? I have heard of reef octopus I might need to check out what they have to offer.

 

My first tank was a 55gal sumpless tank. All I ran was the Biowheel filter that I used mostly for running carbon in and water movement, and a reef octopus HoB skimmer.

That was an amazing tank and was so simple.

 

I would say go with the HOB skimmer over a sump skimmer with a tank your size, i would suggest buying a good brand name skimmer though if you are able to. I used to have freshwater tanks with the HOB filters and I personally think the skimmers are easier to maintain and clean, but that's just my oppinion.