Advice: Skimmer for 29g
 

Hey all,
Hoping you could give me some advice on whether or not a skimmer is necassary in a 29g reef with fish as well. I do not have a sump so I am limited to a hang on back if I do get one. Also if I do need one what are some brands I should look into? New to the hobby so any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Steve

Lps reef you could go skimmer less. I would consider a job refuge though

A Skimmer helps remove biological matter and keeping your tank clean I use an Aqua c remora hang on skimmer and have no complaints with it and if you have rocks or decorations you can sorta hide the plumbing

Also get a skimmer that is higher rating than minimum suggested if you have a 29 gallon get one than cleans 40-60 gallons

+1. HOB refuge should be good enough for a 29g.

Even if you DO want a skimmer, HOB are very limited in terms of performance and only remora and reef octopus would be the good choices. But they don't come cheap ;) Having skimmer is always good but you can go around without one in nanos :)

I'd say if you are willing to do larger water changes and control your feeding you could easily have a healthy tank without a skimmer. I would add stock slowly and gradually increase feeding to give the tank time to adapt, although I suppose that's always a good idea. If you decide to go with no skimmer a HOB filter with some good quality activated carbon in it, and maybe even some GFO might be a good idea. I also use a foam filter to polish the water but you need to clean it regularly.

I like the idea of a HOB refugium as well but I don't have any personal experience with them.

Skimmer for 29 gallon
 

What about looking into the Hydor line. They make good skimmers for the nano world. They are an in the tank skimmer. Two models: slim skim nano and the original slim skim. They are sleek, small footprint and I hear they skim really well and release no microbubbles. Mr. saltwater tank does a great review video on this skimmer at this link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zA9dDnQbx3s

hope that helps.