Protein Skimmer Required?

tmoney

tmoney

Member
Hey Guys,
I have a 30 gallon saltwater tank and am getting a 55 gallon which I'm going to make a reef tank out of. I was wondering if you are required to have a protein skimmer in your tank. If I don't put one in my 55 gallon, am I going to notice a difference in water quality or anything?
Thanks!
 
rainfishy

rainfishy

Member
You could probably live without a skimmer for the first few months, but eventually it will become very important. And when you get one and see what it takes out of yout tank, you'll be glad you have one :)
 
tmoney

tmoney

Member
Thanks for your reply. Right now I have one in my 30 gallon tank but I don't think it has been doing ANYTHING. No foam or anything has ever formed in it and I have been using it since I started my tank, which was about 3-4 months ago now.
Are most protein skimmers (For 55 Gal) around $100?
 
rainfishy

rainfishy

Member
What kind of skimmer do you have on your 30, if there is no foam than it probably is not working right and needs some adjustment or something. The collection cup on my skimmer on my 30, which is about a year old, fills up every week or two.
You can probably get a skimmer for your 55 for $100, not top of the line or anything, but it would work.
 
acrylic51

acrylic51

Active Member
You will need a skimmer for your tank....A skimmer is a vital piece of equipment and it's something I wouldn't skimp on.....Regardless of what people say whether it's a FO, FOWLR or full reef all tanks benefit from a skimmer!!!!!!!!!!
 
ktsdad

ktsdad

Member
While some folks have had good luck without a skimmer, I on the other hand have not.
I agree with those that say that a skimmer is as vital as using good salt.
As stated, don't skimp either - you will just be buying another one later if you go cheap to start with. Then you will end up spending more that if you went with a good unit to start with!
As Rainfishy mentioned - make sure it is adjusted and/or working properly. You should be getting something out of it.
just my .02$
 
tmoney

tmoney

Member
Well thanks for all the input guys, I guess i'll get another one then for my 55G. Any suggestions for a good skimmer around $100?
 
ktsdad

ktsdad

Member
I use a AquaC Remora Skimmer, cost around $160 but worth it.
No set up, just hang it on and let it go.
Another good hang on type is Cyclone BAK-PAK™ 2 Bio-Filter by CPR USA.
It runs around $130.
I have a Aqua C on my 60 and the Cyclone on a 30 and both work great!
 
tmoney

tmoney

Member
Right now I have the Red Sea Prizm Hang-on skimmer, and I havn't been using it correctly since today, forgot to add tubing for it to actually work. (Yeah I know it's really sad)
Is that a pretty good skimmer? Right now it's pumping LOADS of air bubbles into my tank, I can barely see my fish.
 
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