Do I really need a skimmer?

Do I really need a skimmer? I am running a 110g X-HI and I do not want anything 'hanging' from the tank because it is the middle of an entrance way. I would put one in a sump, if I had one. However, I am using an Eheim Wet/Dry Canister filter. All my return lines/hoses/pipes are running up the inside of a hollow wall on the back end of the tank and they all come through a 18"W x 2"H opening, no room for a skimmer there. I do not have an canopy that I could hide it in either. Do they make a skimmer that I could put below the tank that I could rig to another in-line pump? If I do not run a skimmer what do I need to do 'extra' to compensate for what the skimmer does?
I have a little Fission Nano-Protein Skimmer in the nano tank, but that is nice and small.
I had a 75g set up for a little over a year w/o a skimmer and never had a single problem.
Thank you!
 

sickboy

Active Member
Most people would strongly advise using a skimmers....
However, I know of several people who do not use one. I imagine you will be using a power filter to periodically polish your water as the Eheim Wet/Dry does not do a good job of this so If you just run carbon in the power filter it should make up for the lack of skimmer (like 2 hours once a week, etc.).
In addition, just don't overstock and make sure to do regular water changes. Yes you can run without a skimmer, no problem especially since you will be getting plenty of oxygen exchange with that filter. My father runs that eheim filter, but has an in-tank skimmer that is much bigger than the fusion nano skimmer because he is in the same situation of not wanting to have HOB equipment. It is working fine and his tank looks good, but in one corner there is a skimmer, but I'm sure it will be covered in coralline algae soon.
 

slf125

Member
Definatly good to have, I suggest it because otherwise you will have to have a light stockload and often times even that is not enough( I know from experiance ) and may end up having to get a skimmer any way. You may try hanging it on the side( if theres room) or even above( although that may end up worse looking than on the side ) otherwise make up for it with lots of Lr.
hoping the best Jake
 

trouble93

Member
Originally Posted by westwind77
http:///forum/post/2872103
Do I really need a skimmer? I am running a 110g X-HI and I do not want anything 'hanging' from the tank because it is the middle of an entrance way. I would put one in a sump, if I had one. However, I am using an Eheim Wet/Dry Canister filter. All my return lines/hoses/pipes are running up the inside of a hollow wall on the back end of the tank and they all come through a 18"W x 2"H opening, no room for a skimmer there. I do not have an canopy that I could hide it in either. Do they make a skimmer that I could put below the tank that I could rig to another in-line pump? If I do not run a skimmer what do I need to do 'extra' to compensate for what the skimmer does?
I have a little Fission Nano-Protein Skimmer in the nano tank, but that is nice and small.
I had a 75g set up for a little over a year w/o a skimmer and never had a single problem.
Thank you!
How much live rock are you using now???? What do you have by way of powerheads...With alot of rock work and good water movment you can get by. I just saw a video of a guy who only uses 4 maxijets no filter no skimmer and the tank looked to be doing well. Though IMO try and find a way to get a skimmer on there a tank is much more heathy with one then without.
 
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