Protein Skimmer Needed?

[waterbury guy]

I have the below set up running for 2 months, and everyone seems happy and healthy. However my Nitrates are around 40 and I can't seem to get them down with water changes. I have been doing 5 gallon changes every 10 days or so. My Nitrites are zero and Amonia is .25. Will a protein skimmer correct my levels? If so any reccomendations on a hang on back version as I don't have a sump.

 

[sheracr123]

I have 2 of the CPR bak pak's. They are great skimmers IMHO. I found my second one on ---- new for $119, so the cost is reasonable too.

 

[kris]

i agree the bak-paks have been great for me, I run 2 of them, and have been happy with their performance (well one crapped out after 2 years) but all in all for the price well worth it. whether or not it will correct your levels--well i'm sure it will help, even if you don't notice any immediate change. Have you tested your supply--sometimes if water changes don't help at all that may be the culprit.

 

[tiggerbengal]

I've got a question about having multiple skimmers: I have a Prizm on my 125, and don't have the money to upgrade to a better skimmer at this time. So, I thought of buying another Prizm and putting it on the other side of my tank ..... Would that work? Would it take the pressure off (help the other one out)of the other one? ---- has some on auction for a really good price.

 

[nss11110]

always use a skimmer imo. it takes out alot of junk from you tank. bacpacs are good. i use them