Protein skimmer necessary for my setup?

[fishkeeper15379]

Hi Ive had several freshwater aquariums but just getting into saltwater now. I have a 75 gallon setup with about 70lbs of live rock and a fluval 404 filter. do I need to have a protein skimmer along with the canister filter? or is the rock and canister enough filtration for this tank? I just recently setup the tank it has 2 clownfish and a crab in it right now. Im planning on adding some coral frags and a few other small fish, hermit crabs and shrimp, down the road.

 

[flower]

Quote:
Originally Posted by FishKeeper15379 http:///t/390476/protein-skimmer-necessary-for-my-setup#post_3458364
Hi Ive had several freshwater aquariums but just getting into saltwater now. I have a 75 gallon setup with about 70lbs of live rock and a fluval 404 filter. do I need to have a protein skimmer along with the canister filter? or is the rock and canister enough filtration for this tank? I just recently setup the tank it has 2 clownfish and a crab in it right now. Im planning on adding some coral frags and a few other small fish, hermit crabs and shrimp, down the road.
Welcome to the site!
Down the road you will need a HOB skimmer...you have at least 4 to 6 months before you really need one. A skimmer draws organic matter out of the water and impurities you can't even test for...it should prevent green water. I say should because sometimes the water goes green anyway. Turn off the skimmer for the day when you feed the coral, because otherwise it just pulls the coral food right out. It takes filter feeding corals all day to feed.

 

[fishkeeper15379]

alright thanks. I should mention i bought the tank used, along with everything in it other then the fact that all the water is new the rest is all years old..that'll probably mean i need a skimmer now right? i bought a used coralife super skimmer for a 65 gallon. I know its not big enough for my tank but i figure with all the rock and 2 inches or crushed coral theres probably not much more then 65 gallons of water in the tank. and it was only $20 and looks new still so if nothing less i can make a few bucks on it.