advise on new skimmer ?
 

I am in the market for a protein skimmer, my tank just cycled and now I need to get a skimmer. There are so many brands and sizes and just wanted some input on a decent one. I have a 95 gallon FOWLR and a wet/dry sump filter with room for a skimmer in the sump not a hang on skimmer. My LFS was trying to sell me one for about $250 but I have seen them alot cheaper than that on Craigslist and ebay. Is a skimmer one of those "you get what you pay for" items? or can I go cheaper since I don't have corals?. I don't want to skimp on this but looking for somthing I can afford. Any suggestions on brands to look for and stay away from? Thanks

a skimmer is not something to skimp on, even on a FOWLR tank. i suggest reading reviews online to find a good one while saving up alittle extra cash for it. infact i suggest to get a skimmer that is over rated for your tank just so its more effective and gives you options if you want to upgrade so your buying 1 skimmer instead of 2 in the long run.

a few good brands are ASM,MRC,MTC,BubbleKing,Octopus,Deltec just to name a few.

just shop around, save up some cash, and read reviews of different brands.

i hope you removed the bio-balls from the sump as they only trap detritus and debris causing excess nutrient build up.
if you would, please post more about your setup. im interested ;-)

I can not over emphasize how important this advice is. Provided your aquarium has the proper amount of live rock, the biomedia in your sump will HURT water quality.

My personal choice on a 95 gallon tank would be the Red Sea Berlin X2:
Berlin X2 Venturi Skimmer | Venturi Models | Protein Skimmers | Aquarium - ThatPetPlace.com

Very affordable and very effective for a tank your size, fish only or reef.