Do i need a protein skimmer?

[anolan2]

I am currently running a Penguin Biowheel 350 and a Rena Filstar 3 Canister for filtration. Im also adding a few small pieces of live rock to the tank along with the "non live" rock present. This setup is for 55 gallon tank and what will be a fish only tank.
My question is how important is it for me to have a protein skimmer? I know its function differs from the filters I have, but Ive been told the addition of live rock will allow me to get by without a protein filter. Im sure it would be better to have one, then not, however, is it something that can wait? Im way over my budget already (of course) so saving money would be a plus, but ultimately, keeping the fish healthy and alive is the most important thing! What should I do? Is my setup sufficient to start?

 

[al&burke]

Welcome to the site, one thing you will find if you run the best equipment you will have a healthy aquarium. I am in the hobby almost two years now, when I first started all I had was FW background, many years. I started SW with a canister and a low end skimmer. Soon I found out that it wasn't doing the best job. From this site I learned to build sumps and I bought a real good skimmer and I run an algae scrubber. I think the three go hand in hand and if you want to be successful, you need them all. You can get by with the canister and HOB filter you are using but the skimmer is also going to have to be HOB and with all equipment hanging on the back of your aquarium it starts to look cluttered. So you ask yourself what do I really need to make this hobby rewarding. Is your tank already set up?

 

[snakeblitz33]

If you add lots of ACTUAL live rock and don't mix it with base rock, and you have a minimum of 20x to 30x your tanks volume in turnover rate from powerheads and a really low fish bioload you can get away with not having a protein skimmer.
If you don't want a skimmer, look into getting some half-way decent lights and grow some macroalgae. Plants will suck up all the nutrients in the water, add O2, and benefit everything greatly. All you gotta do is stay away from herbivorous fish, which isn't a problem in a 55g because tangs are not recommended.
Decorative macroalgaes is anything you think looks pretty! pink galaxea sp. red kelp, red grascellaria, red grape, caulerpa racemosa, caulerpa mexicana, caulerpa prolifera, caulerpa sp., halimeda, shaving brush, mermaids wine glass, maidens hair, etc. etc. etc. If you use a variety of macroalgaes in the display tank, it will out compete nuisance algaes for nutrients and make your tank healthier - without the use of a protein skimmer.
If you don't know already, only use pure water. Distilled is great if you can afford it. Most of us use RO/DI water from the grocery store, live fish store (LFS), Wal-Mart or your local water store for top off water and for mixing saltwater with.
Do not top of with saltwater, only pure fresh water because the salt does not evaporate. When mixing saltwater, use pure fresh water, and pour the salt into the water, not vice versa. Mix for 24 hours before using it. Instant ocean is a good starter salt.
If you need any more help from me, PM me or e-mail me.

 

[anolan2]

Wow thx for the great advice... I will look into getting a few macroalgaes. My tank is set up but still cycling... im thinking about taking my base rock out, and go get some live rock...

 

[snakeblitz33]

Naa, keep your base rock in there. It sets the foundation of your tank. Then you stack your actual live rock on top of it, so that the live rock can get light and your base rock will be colonized by bacteria, sponges, cryptos, worms, etc. etc.
If you add macroalgae to your display tank while you're still cycling (with decent lights) you may likely see a drop in ammonia and nitrite within a few days. Macroalgaes cycle tanks very quickly.

 

[anolan2]

OK will do Thanks again

 

[1guydude]

Yes i run a skimmer on my tanks! I turn them and most filters off for a couple hrs at night before bed usually...just so i can feed and everything can eat too...
U can mod a HOB filter and clip a light over it for some macro algae too....maybe a LFS has some or something.
If ur just starting ur tank u dont need one for about 4months imo...
Wats in ur cansister? Keep up on ur maintence with it! Change half the sponges every 3months or so and and rinse everything in ur old water from w/c's...

 

[anolan2]

canister has one box with sponges, one box with ceramics, and one box with some like bio balls or something lol
so is it recommended to turn the filters off every so often? or is that simply to make it easier for the fish to eat?

 

[1guydude]

idk if its recommended but thats wat i do.

 

[snakeblitz33]

1guyDude recommends to turn the filters and skimmers off for a few hours just after feeding corals and fish, but not the powerheads. It's a pretty common practice.

 

[florida joe]

While the live rock and protein skimmer strives to achieve the same end. Removing organic compounds. The time factor is the big difference. A skimmer removes organic compounds from the water BEFORE they break down. Via a mechanical (physical proses). This makes for an easier job for the bio filtration.
As far as flow rate and filtration in relationship to power heads, the flow rate is not as important IMO as flow pattern if you are relying on liver rock for the majority of your filtration you want to make sure your flow pattern is such that your power heads provide good flow over and around the rocks
Quote:
but Ive been told the addition of live rock will allow me to get by without a protein filter.

 

[reeferchief]

I would recommend a good skimmer. You will be amazed how many things it pulls from your water. If you do want to wait to get a protien skimmer make sure you invest in a good one. I have easily 2x's the amount of live rock per a gallon along with a protien skimmer and everything has been doing great over the past 2 months. I am also planning on putting some algae in my DT to help copepods establish as well as act as a benefit for my water by removing unwanted traces in my water like nitrates, etc.

 

[anolan2]

Is it normal for my RENA filstar 3 canister filter to be shooting out what looks to be a bunch of particles? Normally the water exiting the filter is clear but now every 15 seconds or so its shooting out particles....

 

[anolan2]

Also, what is eveyone's tke on air pumps? Are they needed? I am running two tubes for my decorations... Is there a function purpose for having air pumps? And how many powerheads are recommended for a 55 gallon? Thanks again everyone for the great advice!

 

[al&burke]

Your canister probably has an air pocket in it and every now and then it gets big enough and expells micro bubbles.
As far as air pumps and bubblers go they only cause salt creep - when the bubbles burst on the surface of the SW they cause build ups of salt. Not really recommended with SW - however power heads are needed. I have a 65 gallon reef and I have three koralias 750 in it. You could probably use three, I also have two verticle spray bars in the two back corners of my tank. I think I have plenty of circulation in the tank.

 

[anolan2]

I just figured out I had my air pump too close to the intake for the filter which was why the filter was shooting out micro bubbles. And yes I noticed the salt build up so Im only using one small air stone. Just added a Aqueon 950 to add to the Top Fin powerhead. Next up will be an addition of live rock and i may still go with a coralife super skimmer.