Filter or Skimmer

[lovetofly31]

Running a 55 FOWLR, 60LBS of live rock, some live sand. no fish currently until I get the tank where I want it. I started it a couple years ago and had some issues so I shut it down for a while.
I have a 65gal coralife protein skimmer that I use as HOB. and a cheap HOB filter that does an adequate job of moving water. Between the skimmer, the filter, and the two maxi jet powerheads I have in the tank I feel confident I am getting more than enough water movement to tap into my biological filtration system.
I wanted to upgrade my filter to a new Fluval 305 cannister system but out of the blue my skimmer started experiencing some serious micro bubbling issues that cause my tank to fill with tiny airbubbles that will not go away.
I've done some research on skimmers and found this to be a huge issue with coralife skimmers in addition to overflow problems...which I've also had. I'm almost at wits end and ready to ditch this skimmer for an aqau c remora.
My question is can I use the fluval filtration system and just not use a protein skimmer at all? Or should I get a nice skimmer and ditch the cheap filter I have since I already have live rock and plenty of water movement?
BTW anyone need a coralife skimmer for parts? I hate this thing.

 

[jstdv8]

I have a coralife superskimmer, hated it in my DT before I got the sump cause every time the water height would change due to evaporation my skimmer would overflow or not produce anything and or send alot of microbubbles into the tank.
I have a sump now and the skimmer works perfectly in there now that the water is a constant height.
To answer your question you don't NEED a skimmer, but you will need to be diligent on your water changes.

 

[lovetofly31]

Originally Posted by Jstdv8
http:///forum/post/3243581
I have a coralife superskimmer, hated it in my DT before I got the sump cause every time the water height would change due to evaporation my skimmer would overflow or not produce anything and or send alot of microbubbles into the tank.
I have a sump now and the skimmer works perfectly in there now that the water is a constant height.
To answer your question you don't NEED a skimmer, but you will need to be diligent on your water changes.
Thanks for the reply. I have considered setting up a sump on mine but I'm not ready to spend the additional money for an overflow box and a pump when I can spend that money on a nice filter/skimmer setup.

 

[drsteve2001]

Originally Posted by lovetofly31
http:///forum/post/3243619
Thanks for the reply. I have considered setting up a sump on mine but I'm not ready to spend the additional money for an overflow box and a pump when I can spend that money on a nice filter/skimmer setup.
I am running the fluval 305 and aqua c remora on my 54 gallon and no problems with bubbles...i do highly suggest the drain on the cup then u can run a hose to a 5 gallon bucket under tank for the first couple of weeks when it is pulling alot of water out or during vacations. paid 174 for the skimmer with shipping