I am purchasing a protein skimmer for my 29 gallon reef tank is this one suitable?

Question

http://cgi.ebay.com/Protein-Skimmer-Saltwater-Fish-Reef-Aquarium-250-litre_W0QQitemZ250169812782QQihZ015QQcategoryZ20754QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Answer 1

I agree with Copperhead!

I have used many of these rather basic Protein Skimmers (Lees and Sanders make two very popular ones that are very similar to this one)

Personally I find that these take a lot of adjustments and are often more trouble than they are worth. Also as stated earlier a skimmer functions is related to the height of the column the bubbles rise through and this one is rather marginal here.

The venture style skimmers are generally better IMO and even with these they are not all created equal (I do not care for the Seaclone and I think the cyclone is over rated). I prefer those with venture injection systems that can control the air water mixture.

For more reading as to Protein Skimmers, please visit this site (near the bottom).
http://www.americanaquariumproducts.com/Aquarium_Filtration.html

Also as I noted in another thread I answered, I would be really careful of much of what is sold at eBay. As someone who has sold there, the fees are high that have to made up somewhere, often with shoddy service, shipping or merchandise.

:~) C

Answer 2

How well a skimmer functions is related to the height of the column the bubbles rise through. Although the one shown says it's for a 250 liter (approximately 60 gallon) tank, it doesn't appear to be that tall (the column should be about the same height as the tank you're using it on). You'll also need to purchase an air pump and air stones (preferably wooden) that will need to be replaced every few months. Figure those into your total costs as well.

Personally, I prefer the Venturi skimmers that use the vacuum created by the moving water to inject air - there aren't any airstones to replace.

Before you decide to purchase, read the following links - the first gives a compairon of advantages and disadvantages of both air driven (the one in your link) and venturi types, the second compares some of top models:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/proskimrart2.htm
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/ca/cav1i1/protein_skimmer_impressions.htm

These will give you a good idea of what features you should look for and the maintenence needed for the different operating types. I would also recommend that you get more info on the model shown in your link (especially height and diameter measurements) before deciding to buy.

Answer 3

get 5 bags of sand, pour that throughout, then placed 35 lbs of stay fiji rock, any mixture of powerheads that pass a minimum of 350 gallons an hour. A skimmer, and in all probability 25 gallons of water. enable the rock therapy thoroughly, in many cases around a week. purchase some cycle or stability and pour a million/2 in then stick to the instructions till you run out. U will prefer ph buffer, factors, a fish internet, and meals for the fish. then the guideline i conflict by is a million fish or coral a week.