Protein Skimmer

[eerie]

I have a 90g tank that I've had set up for a few years now with 100p of live rock and a couple air stones. I just found out that air bubbles aren't good for a saltwater set-up and that I should use a protein skimmer instead. My tank has been doing fine without one for years now, but do you think it's necessary to purchase one? If so, which one would you prefer? I'm on a little bit of a budget.

 

[al mc]

Originally Posted by Eerie
http:///forum/post/3207053
I have a 90g tank that I've had set up for a few years now with 100p of live rock and a couple air stones. I just found out that air bubbles aren't good for a saltwater set-up and that I should use a protein skimmer instead. My tank has been doing fine without one for years now, but do you think it's necessary to purchase one? If so, which one would you prefer? I'm on a little bit of a budget.
I use protein skimmers but there are people in this site that do not. If you do decide to go with one and have a tight budget I would look for a used ASM or Octopus brand skimmer on everyone's favorite internet auction site.

 

[eerie]

It seems like you don't need one, but it doesn't hurt to have one. It can only benefit your tank.

 

[btldreef]

Originally Posted by Eerie
http:///forum/post/3209611
It seems like you don't need one, but it doesn't hurt to have one. It can only benefit your tank.
Yup.
I run one tank with and one without. Readings are almost identical. If you've had the tank running for years and had no issues, I'd say you probably don't need one. Just keep an eye on water parameters. If they're off, start with water changes, if that doesn't work, then try the PS. I don't think you really need one if you've been fine for this long though.

 

[jrod4u]

+1 on BTLDreef, if it isn't broke, don't fix it ;-)

 

[aussie chicago]

I just got a cpr aquatics new "aero force " PS,havnt put into service yet,but from what I hear,they work really good.Ill let you know what I think once its been in for a while.So far,I havnt had a PS ,and my tank is about 9 mnths old,water parameters have always been good,but i do see some particles floating around,as well as Ive had problems with algae,so hopefully this helps.....

 

[eerie]

So are air stones bad for saltwater tanks? I'm hearing mixed thoughts. But you're definitely right....if it ain't broke....don't fix it!

 

[btldreef]

Originally Posted by Eerie
http:///forum/post/3210341
So are air stones bad for saltwater tanks? I'm hearing mixed thoughts. But you're definitely right....if it ain't broke....don't fix it!
I have also heard mixed things about these in fish only tanks. If it's working for you, why fix things? There is no absolute in this hobby.