Protein skimmer.... A must have?

[foxface88]

I know this has been debated on here before but was wondering the benefits of a protein skimmer, I do a small 10% water change a week and a 20% water change at the end of the month. would that supplement the use of a skimmer? I have the coralife HOB 65 gallon protein skimmer with a 37 gallon tank i used it for about a week but its so big and bulky in my small tank i think its kinda an eye sore ya know? Dont have to much livestock/Coral in there ATM: 2 ocellaris clowns, 1 coral beauty, 1 firefish, 1 fire shrimp, the normal CUC, a frogspawn, Duncan, star poly, and an orange cup coral. Would appreciate others thoughts on this topic!

 

[geoj]

You don’t have to use the skimmer just test the water two times a week and see if you can get by with out it… If a thick protean forms at the surface you will want to break it up with a power head to help keep good oxygen levels in the tank.

 

[foxface88]

Originally Posted by GeoJ
http:///forum/post/3198940
You don’t have to use the skimmer just test the water two times a week and see if you can get by with out it… If a thick protean forms at the surface you will want to break it up with a power head to help keep good oxygen levels in the tank.
Ok, good to know. I have a powerhead positioned so there is surface agitation ATM.

 

[meowzer]

Originally Posted by GeoJ
http:///forum/post/3198940
You don’t have to use the skimmer just test the water two times a week and see if you can get by with out it… If a thick protean forms at the surface you will want to break it up with a power head to help keep good oxygen levels in the tank.
TRUE...You do not HAVE to...BUT...ANd this is only my opinion from my experiences...I have a protein skimmer on my 225G, 54G, and my 29G....and after seeing what it pulls out.....I would not go w/o one
(just my opinions)

 

[eric b 125]

there are plenty of people that run skimmerless systems. some people only run their skimmers on certain days of the week, even. i dont suggest it, myself, though. i'm a believer in a good skimmer. i think it would serve you well to keep the skimmer on your tank, considering its smaller size. how much LR do you have?

 

[foxface88]

Originally Posted by Eric B 125
http:///forum/post/3198950
there are plenty of people that run skimmerless systems. some people only run their skimmers on certain days of the week, even. i dont suggest it, myself, though. i'm a believer in a good skimmer. i think it would serve you well to keep the skimmer on your tank, considering its smaller size. how much LR do you have?
40 - 45 lbs.

 

[jackri]

If you are deligent on your water changes a skimmer isn't needed. It's just an added bonus that some people use as a crutch from doing as many water changes at times (myself included).

 

[noah's nemo]

Like you stated,its been debated too death.I personally have never used one nor plan too,my tanks been running 3+ years now.I do a weekly 5 gallon WC(tank is 125), No issues.....

 

[racingtiger03]

ahh, you're running the same skimmer as me. I have mine on a 29 gallon tank. As for it being bulky.. I thought so too for a long time. I have made some changes and can't really even notice it that much anymore. It doesn't take up much more room than my K2 now. I'll get a pic for you tonight if I remember.
As to the orignal question. Like everyone said it can be done.. but on a tank that small isn't it worth every extra bit of insurance you can get? That's why I choose to run one *shrug*