Skimmer ideas for 34 litre Nano Reef.

**Full3R** · 09-30-2012, 11:40 AM

Hey guys.
Long time since I've been active.
But, I've started a 34 litre (roughly, 25 with all the rock and substrate) nano in an Aquaone 18" Mirage Tank, running a Aquaclear 20 hang on, with custom media and a Hydor 900l/h pump for movement.
Thus far I'm stumped for a skimmer.
I liked the idea of the Nano Hydor skimmers, have no room internally for one. So I'm in need of a hang on style.
I haven't yet got a light yet, but was contemplating a KR91 Eco-lamp.
I'm all ears for advice. :)

**Cliff** · 09-30-2012, 11:43 AM

I have a Aqua C Ramora HOB skimmer and I really like it. They make a nano version of it for tanks like yours. I would recommend one of those.

**Full3R** · 09-30-2012, 11:49 AM

I've actually read a little bit about them.
But, haven't had hands on with them.
I work in an aquarium in Australia, and generally we run with Rio, Aquamedic, Reef Octopus, Resun, Red Sea. Etc.
I'll have a look in to it.
What are you running as a light?

**Cliff** · 09-30-2012, 11:56 AM

Another HOB skimmer you might want to consider is a bubble magus NAC03 skimmer. They have one on a display tank at my SW LFS and it certainly seams to work very well for them. They staff also like that skimmer a lot.

I am currently using LEDs (AI SOLs) on my 180 reef and a combination of T5HOs and a cheap knock-off LED on my 120 FOWLR.

I've had great results with T5 and/or LEDs. But you need to spend the money to get good LEDs if they are going on a reef set-up

**Full3R** · 09-30-2012, 12:03 PM

I'll look in to that also, thanks.

We recently set up the Red Sea Max 650 at our shop, with 800watts of T5!
We originally had the 250 setup but recently the manager swapped the hood of T5s out for a maxspect Razor.
I preferred the color/look of the T5s.

If the tank was larger, i'd run a combination of the two.
But, after seeing Eco-Lamps, Mazarra, Aqualina, and couple of other brands.
I'm still not blown away by LEDs.
But, definitely enjoy the color from the Eco-Lamp.
:)

**Cliff** · 09-30-2012, 12:25 PM

Check out some LED fixtures that use Cree or Apollo LED emitters in them and you will be able to see the differance. IMO, lesser brands of LED emitters are no better (and sometimes worse) than T5s. Below is a good example

http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/aqua...ad.php?t=84728

**Full3R** · 09-30-2012, 12:38 PM

Actually, now that you mention it.
A mate of mine who breeds snakes, has a 17' reef tank with Cree LEDs running with a row of T5s along the back (to lose the excessive ripple) and the color he's getting on the bottom of the tank which is a 2.5' depth, is incredible.
It's a home made unit, though.
But, there's definite improvements with LEDs and I wouldn't personally run with just T5s.
Having said that, I've got a lot of customers who have unbelievable looking systems with incredible growth with just quad T5s.