Do I need powerhead and protein skimmer in 16 gal tank that

[trotsky123]

will host only 2 clownfish, few shrimp and snails?
I have a biowheel filter (for 30 gal) for now
Also, do I need to get crushed coral/sand for saltwater tank or I can use gravel (as I had colorful gravel in freshwater tank)?
THANK YOU

 

[flower]

I would.

 

[meowzer]

NO GRAVEL......you want sand, you don't HAVE to have a protein skimmer, BUT you MUST have powerheads...the water has to move

 

[trotsky123]

Thank you!
One would be ok? Also, do they come in different powers - since it's a 16 gallon, I don't want it to be like tsunami every day?

 

[meowzer]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Trotsky123 http:///forum/thread/381772/do-i-need-powerhead-and-protein-skimmer-in-16-gal-tank-that#post_3327542
Thank you!
One would be ok? Also, do they come in different powers - since it's a 16 gallon, I don't want it to be like tsunami every day?
Yes, they come in different sizes.....you may want to look at a Koralia nano, and maybe a Koralia 1
I like having more then 1....this way you can make sure you have good circulation

 

[nikesb]

k1 would be too little IMO. k2 would be better. the k1 was too weak for my 10g

 

[trotsky123]

Thank you
would 240gph be sufficient for my tank?

 

[nikesb]

you looking to keep any corals? if not then thats fine

 

[trotsky123]

No corals, just fish.
I have a friend who didn't even get live rock for his 50 gal tank, but everyone tells me that I must get it - so confused here

 

[flower]

I would still get a skimmer, it pulls out yuck you can't even test for so it will imporove water quality. I went fish only in the beginning and I used a skimmer. JMO

 

[meowzer]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Flower http:///forum/thread/381772/do-i-need-powerhead-and-protein-skimmer-in-16-gal-tank-that#post_3327569

I would still get a skimmer, it pulls out yuck you can't even test for so it will imporove water quality. I went fish only in the beginning and I used a skimmer. JMO
YEAH....I have skimmers on all my tanks too...I was just saying that you don't HAVE to have one

 

[trotsky123]

Thank you all.
And btw, do I need Live rock? Or can I get away with dry decorative rock?

 

[meowzer]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Trotsky123 http:///forum/thread/381772/do-i-need-powerhead-and-protein-skimmer-in-16-gal-tank-that#post_3327582
Thank you all.
And btw, do I need Live rock? Or can I get away with dry decorative rock?
I would get live rock....you can get base rock, and a few pieces of live....and eventually it will all be live

 

[burrito]

How ?

 

[gemmy]

Quote:
Originally Posted by meowzer http:///forum/thread/381772/do-i-need-powerhead-and-protein-skimmer-in-16-gal-tank-that#post_3327594
Quote:
Originally Posted by Trotsky123 http:///forum/thread/381772/do-i-need-powerhead-and-protein-skimmer-in-16-gal-tank-that#post_3327582
Thank you all.
And btw, do I need Live rock? Or can I get away with dry decorative rock?
I would get live rock....you can get base rock, and a few pieces of live....and eventually it will all be live
+1. I would consider getting a protein skimmer as well.

 

[hunt]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Burrito http:///forum/thread/381772/do-i-need-powerhead-and-protein-skimmer-in-16-gal-tank-that#post_3329571
How ?
All of the good bactiria, algea and critters will grow and spread onto the base ("Dead Rock") rock

 

[burrito]

yay ! my fake work will grow to live rock!

 

[meowzer]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Burrito http:///forum/thread/381772/do-i-need-powerhead-and-protein-skimmer-in-16-gal-tank-that#post_3329588
yay ! my fake work will grow to live rock!
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO....your plastic ornaments don't count

 

[gemmy]

Quote:
Originally Posted by meowzer http:///forum/thread/381772/do-i-need-powerhead-and-protein-skimmer-in-16-gal-tank-that#post_3329596
Quote:
Originally Posted by Burrito http:///forum/thread/381772/do-i-need-powerhead-and-protein-skimmer-in-16-gal-tank-that#post_3329588
yay ! my fake work will grow to live rock!
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO....your plastic ornaments don't count

Will the madness ever end??

 

[burrito]

D:!!!