skimmer explanation please....

[mh51072]

please give details about how the skimmer works and where it is locatoed on the aquarium--i have a 46 gallon with 40 lbs of live sand and about 20 lbs of live rock so far--do i need one of these and if so how much are they--my tank is in the third week of the cycle also--im just about there--any recomendations for my fish--i have 3 damsel right now--thnks

 

[marine fanatic]

Some people say you don't HAVE to have a protein skimmer but just about all of them will suggest it to beginners. Protein Skimmers create micro-bubbles that extract certain wastes in your water and then deposits the waste in a retainer cup. Usually it looks like a slimy, brown oil/sludge and should be cleaned regularly. I bought a Berlin Air-Lift 60 for my 55 reef tank and so far it has worked great. There are much better skimmers but along with beter comes much higher prices. I placed mine on the right side of my tank with the emperor filter on the left with the heater in the middle....seems to work for me. Hope it helps

 

[reeferx]

These are pretty good descriptions. The only thing I would add is that there are 'hang-on-the-back' models that 'hang' from the outside edge of your tank. These are good if you don't have a sump.
The 'Turbo-Flotor' (may be misspelled) would be a good one for your tank.
Sincerely,
Matt Rogers
<a href="http://www.threestepstoareefaquarium.com" target="_blank">http://www.threestepstoareefaquarium.com</a>