Protien Skimmer Absolutely necessary?

[joebrooklyn]

Can I get away without using a protien skimmer if I have a really, really good canister filters? I'm thinking of settup up a 55 gal, fowlr and I got a Fluval 405 (up to 180 gal) already and now today I was given an Eheim Professionel 3 (up to 300 gal) as a gift, and kind of have to use it not to offend the person (long story).
My question is that with these 2 pretty powerful filters running in a rather smallish 55 gal tank, is this a good or bad idea? Also if its ok, do I still need to use a protein skimmer?
Is there such a thing as "too much filtration"?

 

[jonthefishguy]

Lets be realistic, canister filters really were not meant to handle SW but if you have two larger size filters then use them, the more filtration the better. However p skimmer remove fatty acids, waste and any debris that isnt filtered out through another means. If you are doing a fish only tank, then i would say no, but if you are going to put inverts or corals, yes most definately. Some will disagree but, all in all, protien skimmers remove what waste cannot be removed using anything else other than water changes.

 

[scotts]

Once you start running your skimmer you will be amazed at the gunk that comes out of your water. Your first thought will be, Where did this stuff come from? That was in my water?

 

[rbaldino]

No, but it's better to have one than not.

 

[scsinet]

Protein skimmers and canister filters are two entirely different kinds of filters that are designed to remove two entirely different kinds of things from the water. One cannot subsitute for another; it'd be like saying "I know most people fly from the US to Europe, but if I have a really really nice car, can I do that instead."
As far as a tank is concerned, it's about chances of success. The lack of a protein skimmer doesn't make saltwater fishkeeping impossible, but they make it a hell of a lot easier, and your chances of success will go up with them. If it's your first tank, then I'd say you are nearly assured to have problems relating the lack of the skimmer until you get more experienced in dealing with algae, nutrient spikes, DOCs, etc. I'm not saying you'll crash a tank or anything, but there will be more trials and tribulations.
You don't have to offend anyone. Use your Eheim filter, sell your fluval, and use the money to buy a decent HOB skimmer for your tank, like an AquaC Remora - then everyone is happy.

 

[jdinger29]

I have successfully kept a tank without a protein skimmer but I think luck played into it as much as anything. I am REALLY looking forward to setting up my new tank with a skimmer. (Should be here tomorrow!) Some deals can be found on new or used stuff in the classifieds on this site. I bet you could even find someone to trade your Fluval for a skimmer!

 

[miaheatlvr]

Originally Posted by jdinger29
I have successfully kept a tank without a protein skimmer but I think luck played into it as much as anything. I am REALLY looking forward to setting up my new tank with a skimmer. (Should be here tomorrow!) Some deals can be found on new or used stuff in the classifieds on this site. I bet you could even find someone to trade your Fluval for a skimmer!
There is probably no single item you can ADD to your aquarium that is more invaluable than a protein skimmer, you will not beleive the gunk it pulls out.

 

[scsinet]

Originally Posted by MiaHeatLvr
There is probably no single item you can ADD to your aquarium that is more detremental than a protein skimmer, you will not beleive the gunk it pulls out.
Are you sure you meant to say "Detrimental?"
Detrimental: damaging: (sometimes followed by `to') causing harm or injury;

 

[miaheatlvr]

Originally Posted by SCSInet
Are you sure you meant to say "Detrimental?"
Detrimental: damaging: (sometimes followed by `to') causing harm or injury;

You are right, I just fixed my grammer. lol

 

[scsinet]

LOL I was wondering if there was someone out there who was actually against them... they are pretty well accepted...

 

[joebrooklyn]

Thanks for everyone's input. I am definetly going to use a skimmer

 

[stumpyfish]

Good decision, like everyone else says, you will really really be amazed what a skimmer pulls out of the water, no matter how "clean" the water looks. I was in the same boat when I started my tank. Just the price of skimmers that people on here were recommending was enough to give me a stroke. I caved eventually and now I cant believe I even thought about not having one. Keep the canister filters though, they might be good for running carbon some other kind of media. GOOD LUCK

 

[saltycrab]

Ive been trying to avoid getting a skimmer since I started my tank two months ago mainly because, price wise, I didnt know what I was getting into, even with my "small" 46 gal. My water quality has been good since I started the tank with plenty of cured live rock and live sand but I still have problems controlling algea. I also noticed that the waters surface has white foam build up which seems like a sign that I need to be skimming. I finally got a aquaC remora off egay today for $90. I also hear that skimming makes the water clearer so light penetrates better. I dont know if it would be significant.