Live rock and Protein skimmer ideas.

[black71gp]

I am new to the boards, but have been reading them for a little while now. I have been with salt water about 6 years, but always just only fish. Just now am I starting to get live rock, better lights and such. I need to know one of the most recomended places to get live rock. ALso. I have only a 50 gallon set up right now while in the appartment, but will have my 150 back up and running when we get a house. For a protien skimmer, could I by one for a 150 and only use it sometimes on the 50 to avoid over skimming, money is a bit of an issue and do not want to buy things twice, or should I try to make my own. Just wondering these couple things, if you could help I would appreciate it. THanks
jarrod

 

[exotickeeper]

You can buy a good skimmer for 150. However, if you plan on upgrading to the 150 and don't want to buy anything twice, then you can just try and get a better one like for maybe 200. But nonetheless, 150 is a good price to pay for a good skimmer. Certainly you can put it on the 50. Why do you want to use it only once in a while, I don't really believe in over skimming. As long as you have macro & microcules in your system, the skimmer will serve it's purpose. Its almost never where your tank is clean and will not skim anything because fish and other livestock consistently produce waste and other organic products which will be skimmed out before it breaks down and go through the ammon. and nitrate cycle. In my opinion, running the skimmer won't hurt your system. I've ran a berlin turbo rated for 250 on a 46 gallon bow for some time and it's been good!

 

[black71gp]

Thanks for the replies, just making sure it was not possible to over skim the tank. I plan on looking in to seeing if I can make one myself... if not will probaly go with the berlin turbo, have heard they are good and the price on ---- is about right...thanks