Protein Skimmer or not

[drewsta]

I have a 37 Gallon tank with about 30LB of liverock (about 10Lb Marshall and 20 Base Rock) and I do not see much reason to get a protein skimmer, I dont have any fish in the tank yet but I will soon. I was just wondering if a skimmer was 100% necessary? I clean the top of the water with a paper towel daily. Thanks!!

 

[1journeyman]

I've never heard of anyone who is using a protein skimmer say "Man I wish I hadn't bought that".
Considering the junk mine grabs daily I'd say invest in one.

 

[drewsta]

The problem is I have an eclipse tank and there is not a premade spot for one so I would have to retro-fit the hood.. I guess my question is basically is it worth all the trouble. Thanks.

 

[crazyaqua]

I would say its necessary if your running a reef tank but if its just fish only with good filtration you would be ok

 

[drewsta]

OK thank you!! I appreciate the advice

 

[ohioguy06]

It is deffinetly a must........whole reason for a fish tank is to remove ur fishes poop basically..........it is a must on all saltwater tanks imo.!

 

[drewsta]

It is basically going to be an aggressive tank. so 1 to 2 fish max i mean $120 for a skimmer doesn't seem like a good investment.

 

[ohioguy06]

Lets put it this way the investment is well worth it i have 5 of them and would trade them for anything!

 

[crazyaqua]

I agree with you drew most people on here would suggest a skimmer and like i said before i would agree if you had a major reef system or something that needed to get alot of kunk out of the tank but if its small i see no reason. i dont do must normal things that most people do on this forum like i dont do water changes i just do top offs and havent added any saltwater to my tanks since i have them established i really dont go by the norm and it has worked for me. My sig bascially says it all. But i still respect everyone else and there suggestions or thoughts this site has taught me alot. :cheer:

 

[lion_crazz]

I would definitely say they are neccessary.
Protein skimmers are invaluable to a saltwater aquarium, as are water changes. Not only do water changes remove waste from the aquarium, but they also replenish nutrients. If you do not do water changes, the nutrients that are being used by your fish will exhuast themselves and never be replenished.

 

[crazyaqua]

Here you go various shots of my 55s i need to take more but yeah like i said i am not the norm but all my parameters are on target and same with my salt content.

 

[drewsta]

I appreciate the advice to all that responded!!! I suppose I will keep an eye out for a good deal on a skimmer. Does anyone have any advice on a good quality one? Also Stupid question but I want to put a voltan lionfish in there like i said its a 37g, what other fish could I put with him I dont want to overpopulate the tank. Any advice greatly appreciated. THANKS

 

[lion_crazz]

A volitan lion will not be suitable for a 37. No way. That fish grows to be 15"! A fuzzy dwarf would be fine however. Also, I am glad that you decided to go with a skimmer. Me personally, I like Excalibur's and Remora's.

 

[crazyaqua]

Lion i didnt get any response about my tank does it look ok ? I am not trying to be sarcastic i do respect everyone on the board.

 

[drewsta]

The tank looks great by the way sorry about not responding to it!! What kind of lion is that I am new to the saltwater game, and I am just curious what fish would go well together without a mass genocide in my tank.... Also thanks for the info on the skimmers I will definently look into those brands!!

 

[crazyaqua]

he is a fuzzy dwarf lion you could have one of them in a 37 gallon

 

[lion_crazz]

Yes, I think the fish look beautiful. I just do not agree with your views on proper husbandry. There is a lot more that goes into a water change than water levels and salt. There are many trace elements in salt that benefit your fish. After a while, you will start to see the adverse effects of the fish not having these elements and nutrients. I also do not see how all of your water levels could be fine judging by the cyano and small portions of hair algae in some of your pics. Hopefully I am wrong though, as I hope your fish stay as healthy as they appear right now.

 

[pchromis]

Originally Posted by Ohioguy06
Lets put it this way the investment is well worth it i have 5 of them and would trade them for anything!

You WOULD trade them for anything? or WOULDN'T?

 

[lion_crazz]

Originally Posted by pchromis
You WOULD trade them for anything? or WOULDN'T?
I believe he meant to say he wouldn't. Judging by the fact that he said "the investment is well worth it" and proceeded to buy 5.

 

[darth tang]

I have a seahorse and an aggresive set up. I ran a protein skimmer on both. About 3 months ago mine broke foir the aggressive. Terrible accident involving clumsiness and a floor. I didn't have money to replace it right away. My dad had one he wasn't using. Their last visit was a week ago and he dropped it off to me. since then I have pulled so much crap out of the tank from the 3 months without. so yes, I feel it is necessary for filtration and water purity. can you get by without one, probably.