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slednecks
Guest
Is a protein skimmer essential for a 12 gal. nano? I have been seeing a lot of posts that say whats in there tank and they never mention a protein skimmer????
queenangel920
Member
Since water changes are so frequent in nanos, a protein skimmer is not necessary. I change my water in my 6 gallon every Wednesday.
manjisann
Member
Protein skimmers are just another way for those of us who are too lazy to do things the right way to prolong water changes. Seriously though, I have a 20 gal with a small bio load and no skimmer and I have had no problems. When I start to get a build up of foam in my sump I just use a little reef carbon (be very careful of this stuff, as not all of the aquarium carbon is good) and a water change and I am good. The real key as everyone before stated is just be sure to do your 10% water changes religiously and you should be fine.
flatzboy
Active Member
Originally posted by ManjiSann
Protein skimmers are just another way for those of us who are too lazy to do things the right way to prolong water changes. Seriously though, I have a 20 gal with a small bio load and no skimmer and I have had no problems. When I start to get a build up of foam in my sump I just use a little reef carbon (be very careful of this stuff, as not all of the aquarium carbon is good) and a water change and I am good. The real key as everyone before stated is just be sure to do your 10% water changes religiously and you should be fine.
Or for people to cheap to set up a tank the right way.... I'd go with both skimmer and frequent 10% water changes thats what i do on my reefs.
rubberduck
Active Member
hahahahhahahahah good stuff
rubberduck
Active Member
so true though
manjisann
Member
I don't have a protien skimmer on my tank and it is doing just fine. Skimmers are not like water, you don't technically HAVE to have one. They just let you get away with putting a heavier bio load in your tank, but if you keep the load down your tank will be fine without one. Don't get me wrong, I will most likely get one eventually, but the question was if it was ESSENTIAL. As all accomplished aquarists know (and heaven knows I am not one of them,) there is no right or wrong way to do a reef tank, just the way that works for the person who is maintaining it.
P.S. Some animals, especially clams, do well without a protein skimmer as it will remove the suspended organics that the clam feeds on.
P.S. Some animals, especially clams, do well without a protein skimmer as it will remove the suspended organics that the clam feeds on.