Skimmer ?????

[myers]

I recently purchased a Fluval canister 305 used to have a hang on filter.
Someone told me I need to get a skimmer to help with the water exchange (gases) befcause I do not have a current running at the top of the tank any more. Fluval makes a surface skimmer that attaches to the intake tube. So I guess my question is what is the difference between a surface skimmer and a protein skimmer?
I have a 38 gallon tank with some inverts and some black and white clowns and rusty angel fish. I feel my tank has been doing well so far because I do have what looks like feather dusters attached to my live rock.

 

[zsqure]

a surface skimmer does just that, pulls stuff off the surface of the water the water flows OVER an edge and what's on top goes for a ride this will be beneficial if there is a film on your water. This film should be broken up by powerheads directing flow toward the surface. This film will hinder gas exchange and not allow your tank to breathe. A Protein Skimmer will pull Gunk (fish poop, excess food) out of your water that is floating in the water column. This gunk is what makes your water bad and causes you to have to do large water changes. If you get a good quality skimmer it will do wonders for your tank. Check out the classified section, Someone is always upgrading to a larger unit....do a lot of research there are many types, sizes and brands.

 

[smokingreefer]

Originally Posted by zsqure
http:///forum/post/2698322
a surface skimmer does just that, pulls stuff off the surface of the water the water flows OVER an edge and what's on top goes for a ride this will be beneficial if there is a film on your water. This film should be broken up by powerheads directing flow toward the surface. This film will hinder gas exchange and not allow your tank to breathe. A Protein Skimmer will pull Gunk (fish poop, excess food) out of your water that is floating in the water column. This gunk is what makes your water bad and causes you to have to do large water changes. If you get a good quality skimmer it will do wonders for your tank. Check out the classified section, Someone is always upgrading to a larger unit....do a lot of research there are many types, sizes and brands.
+1 I typed essentially what you wrote a while ago but it never posted..