No Protein Skimmer - Is this possible?

[neutronics]

Does anyone have a reef tank or fish-only tank that goes without a protein skimmer?
Is it really a MUST to have a protein skimmer based from your experience. I'm thinking of buying one since it sounds like it's a necessity

 

[andymi]

There are different schools of thought on this subject. Some of the more recent articles and books will say a protein skimmer is necessary. I personally do not use one and follow the methods that Mr. Perrin and the folks at another fish store use. UGF with regular water changes. They have no protein skimmers in use at all and are the largest coral propgation facility in the world. If you dont believe me check out FAMA, they are right on the cover.
Just my opinion!
--andy

 

[flydan]

Oooh! This subject is like walking through a minefield. All I will say is that after reading posts on this site for the past few months I will keep my skimmer running. I will, however, put it on a timer and run it at night only, as soon as I can figure out where to plug another timer in! This doesn't help you much huh? Sorry. I just feel that the smelly gunk I'm pulling out has to be doing some good for my tank.
Take care,
Dan'l

 

[fender]

Oh boy. To skim or not to skim......
This hobby reminds me of another hobby I enjoy. Archery. No two ppl have the same setup and EVERYONE has an opinion on what is needed to do it right.......
But that's half the fun of it.
Anyway, I empty a cup of absolute filth from my skimmer once a week. And it's is rank and nasty. Wouldn't want it in my tank, but that's my opinion.
I have heard of other methods, like the Eco-systems, Mangroves (want to try this someday), algea scrapers, heavy mechanical w/carbon, and none at all. Everyone will swear their setup is best if they have any success with it. Personally for the $, a skimmer is the best way to go. Of course IANAE and my tank has only been up for 8 mos. I have read about ppl running without them just fine for over a year, and then having everything in the tank go in a matter of days because of the slow buildup of crud. Seems like cheap insurance to me.
I am not saying you won't have success without one, I just believe, based on what I have read, from talking to other ppl, and my own experience, a skimmer is a wonderful tool for keeping your small ecosystem alive.
My advice get one, a good one, but each to his/her own.
Now let the bloodshed begin.

 

[b_ball12_99]

I don't have a skimmer on either my 5 gallon or 75 gallon. It really depends on what your going to keep, how much circulation your getting, your tank readings, and what other filtration you have.

 

[tetra]

I have yet to see a good skimmerless tank pics. I am sure they are out there though. Plus my skimmer sucks, hardly does anything, so one can say i am almost skimmerless. If i had to do it again, I would get a better skimmer, or better yet I better save some money and get a better one.

 

[dugan]

Can you run a tank without a skimmer? Sure.
Is it a good idea? Well now, that's a subject of some major debate. Some people swear by the skimmerless tank.
I have seen a reef tank that looks pretty nice with nothing but a powerhead in there to mix things up.
Personally, my tank has never looked as good since I got my skimmer... go skimmerless? you would have to pry it out of my cold, dead hands!
I say get a good skimmer and see how you like it.
Katie

 

[dugan]

When I say get a good skimmer, I mean get a GOOD skimmer. I had a cheapo crummy one a few years back. It was useless.
Katie

 

[puppy]

man, i need a skimer, my tank's water is changed almost every 2 weeks! i know it cant be too good for my fish, but my water is yellow. i am about to run out and buy a skimmer, once i find out how they work, and which one to buy, and how to hook it up.. help?

 

[neutronics]

You're right!
My water tends to turn yellow too. I need help too! Arrgh! I hope having a skimmer is the solution.

[hr]
neutreal
[ August 08, 2001: Message edited by: neutreal ]

 

[andymi]

Yellow water? What size are your tanks? I have a 70 gallon and I have let mine go 3 weeks (I dont normally because of my setup) and I have never had yellow water. I utilize one of the oldest systems in this hobby. UGF with frequent water changes. Although I have thought about a protein skimmer, I would say that it also depends on how many fish you have in your tank. If your tank is mostly a reef tank, I dont think the skimmer is needed. If you have a large number of fish, you can get away without it, but might be better off. My usual suggestion is find someone in an LFS or online that you trust, and only take their advice. Just make sure you find someone who has been successful.
--Andy

 

[fender]

Yellow water can be fixed with a using carbon for a few days, skimming doesn't neccessarily fix that problem.