Skimmer for 20 gallon reef?

[ebayes11]

I'm in the process of setting up a small 20 gallon reef. I'm gonna have a tetratec filter on it, and 2 55W PC lights illuminating it. I have a seaclone skimmer that I raided for the powerhead a while ago, and am considering getting another powerhead for it. I would like to put a skimmer on the tank, but is it worth fixing it, or should i do without, or go for something else, like a bakpak, or prism?

thanks,

ebayes11

[prof]

I don't know about the seaclone.

I wouldn't run the tetratec. My 20 long is running with a powerhead for flow and a bakpak for skimming. The tank has been up for over a year and is doing great. I am a big fan of the bakpak for this size tank.

[reefguy]

what is wrong with running a hang on filter on the aquarium? I have a 20 gallon also

[DeletedAccount]

I like the tetratecs. I run them with some liverock in the box and it is a very convenient place to add carbon and phos sponge when needed. They are also nice because of the integrated heater! The sponge and filter packs are slight nitrate traps and not the best things to run all of the time, though.

[reefguy]

I took the BioWheels off of my Penguin 330 on mine bc I heard that they release more nitrates into the water. Is this true?

[kaiser]

try this
http://www.maast.org/index.php?name=...pic&t=4152
should work for You just fine.

[Andrew]

Unless you use media such as carbon or phosguard etc., power filters are not necessary IMO. I would personally go with either the bak pak or aqua-c Remora on a 20. Seaclones don't work great, but are better than nothing. If you have a low bioload, like a clown and goby along with a few corals, and don't overfeed, you should be fine with the seaclone.

Andrew