How much does a protein skimmer for saltwater cost for a 125 gal tank?

Question

im thinking of converting, and im trying to get my pricing in order.

Answer 1

Depends on how what quality you buy, and whether it is used. You can probably find a decent used one for 50-75$ - a decent new one could cost about 120-170$.

If you're converting your 125 gallon, you should probably set aside a budget of about 1500$. If you're careful and buy some stuff used, you won't spend that much - but it's better to overbudget than to underbudget :)

Answer 2

I am finding that depends on where you live and where you shop. If you go to petsmart or petco, you will pay more than buying everything at your local mom and pop fish store. That is to say you have a good one around.

A protein skimmer should come attached with your back pack filter. (Or can be purchased seperately) One of mine is CPR Backpack filter w/protein skimmer and I paid $150.00 for it. (Actually I bought it at PetSmart).
I have a UV Sanatizer (These are not absolutely necessary right away) but in a marine or reef tank containing fish, they can really save you a lot of grief. I originally paid around $300 for the first one, then walking thru PetSmart in the off season (winter) I found them on clearance for $145. (I bought two to put on my outside ponds)

Live rock is also not a necessity in a salt water tank, but it is cool to have especially when you see what things live in it and on it. Roughly $6-7 per pound. You can have as little or as much as you want. Some people use it to cycle their salt water tanks, however killing all these neat creatures isn't worth the extra week it will save you.

your sea salt, I suggest a good salt like Red Sea. Instant ocean does the job it needs to but I prefer natural sea salts vs. the synthetic.

Remember, and I am sure in your research, you have found out, salt water and fresh water cycling are not the same. Salt requires longer established tanks (6 months+) for the higher end fish.

Cycle your tank slightly quicker for damsels by tossing in a couple of black mollies (yep they are fresh or salt water fish float them the same).

Salt water tanks are not thatmuch more to own and operate. They just require more patience and attention. Start it off on the right foot and the rest is easy.

Answer 3

A good new one runs about $120-150. But if you look on eBay there are some cheaper ones that r used and or ones for smaller thanks. there are also a Number of web sites that have instructions for making your own that work well and are cheap but they are not as nice looking (but if you have a back round you will never see it)....

Answer 4

it depends on how much you like your tank the best ones are more expensive than the generic ones but they do help your tank a whole lot