Do I need a protien skimmer?

[carrie1429]

In my 84 gallon aquarium I have clown fish, angels, butterflies, invertebrates, anenomes,LR, and a few soft corals, so I was wondering if I really needed a protien skimmer. Some of them cost a lot and since I already spent over 1,000 dollars on my tank I was not willing to buy something I didn't have to have, do I need a protien skimmer?

 

[kidrockfish]

1429- As far as if you need a skimmer or not seems to be a question for debate. I think right now there is a poll concerning this from SWF.com. Having said that I use a CPR backpack2-R on my 46 reef 24/7. You would be amazed at the amount of gunk that gets pulled out with a skimmer. My best advice is to go to the search function for the board and type in skimmer. There are many answers and opinions to this question. Hope this helps!

 

[krusk]

You definitely need a skimmer.
you will please from what the skimmer can do to your tank.
Hope this help

 

[ocellaris_keeper]

Carrie1429:
A protien skimmer is a "foam fractionator" invented by the Germans in the 70's. this device injects tiny air bubbles into a flow of water (usually pumped by a pwerhead) to replicate the cresting of the waves inthe ocean. The gunk that comes out is like the foam you see on the wave tops. This acrtion is highly essential for a reef tank because (the German style of a reef tank) has no reall filtration. They use what is called the Berlin method (LR, LS, Powerheads and a protien skimmer) for the entire eco system.
I am using this method today and am planning on modifying it slightly by adding a refugium tank below my existing tank. I had a FO tank which means my fish create more ditritus than a reef (forcing the modification). I have a heathly tank - but I must do more frequent water changes because of the number of fish I have.
Hope this drabbling helps.

 

[fshhub]

skimmers are a great tool, i personally do not have one, but love them, there is a big debate on whether or not, but if your system is set up properly and doing great, it is more a matter of preference, how is your water quality?, they are definitely a great help, especially for a beginner and should be considered
if you do decide not to get one, be ready to add one if you do need it, they can help you alot
HTH