New Tank Set-Up -Do I need a protein skimmer???

[dculton]

I recently established a 29 gallon salt tank with just a couple of pounds of live rock, plus live sand and Florida coral.
I'm using 2 blue damsels just so my family has something to look at inside the tank while it's getting up and going 0 hearty little suckers, aren't they???
In any case, I've been thinking of ordering the 20-25 lb live rock pkg. from this saltwaterfish.com, and possibly one of their live inverts pkg. as well, so we have a bunch of little creatures walking around.
If I add a few corals after a little while, in this size of tank, do you feel a protein skimmer is necessary? I've heard a lot of people indicate this size really doesn't need it.

 

[maroonclownfan]

Lights are the most important for corals only slightly more than water quality.
A protein skimmer would probably help you keep the nitrates down, and keep your water clear no doubt.
But not everybody who is successful uses skimmers, some us refugiums or strong filters to improve water quality.
Plainly, a skimmer definitely won't hurt, but it is absolutely neccessary? Depends on who you ask.
Sorry I couldn't give a more exact answer.......MCF

 

[blue dew]

Hi and welcome to the board!
You will probably get a lot of pros and cons on the skimmer question, but the majority will likely be for one. I've got a 30 gallon tank and I'm using the CPR Backpack2R on it and it seems to be doing well. Algae isn't too bad so far and my water is nice and clear. It helps with your Nitrates too, if I remember right. Its a hang on model which works well on small tanks like ours. The Aqua C Remora is another hang on model that has a lot of fans too. There are some other models out there.
Are you using a sump on the tank? If so, that expands the possibilities with regards to skimmers. I know my LFS did recommend a skimmer. I'm also doing by-weekly water changes (10%) , which equates to 3 gallons on mine. This has also helped.
Also, since I believe your're still in the cycle phase on your tank, I would recommend the advise given to me to hold off running a skimmer until your cycle is over. The liverock your planning on getting will affect your cycle, but you might as well add it now if possible since you want to be careful adding live rock to an already cycled tank due to possible die off. The cured stuff is generally less likely to have a lot of die off, but I believe there still is a chance.
Additionally, I strongly recommend waiting until your cycle is over and you start getting some algae in the tank before adding any inverts. They are very easily affected by high levels of ammonia and nitrite. Plus, the algae gives them something to eat so they don't starve.
Again, welcome aboard
Dew

 

[aftrhrs]

I would definately look into setting up a sump/refugium system.
I am planning on a protein skimmer myself but it will be down the road a little while before I purchase it. I do have a 20g sump to help clean the tank. I am building a refugium next, adding stronger lighting and more live rock then a protein skimmer before adding anymore fish.