You experts need to help me

[volitan100]

Well i told my dad about getting me a skimmer but he wont; and i dont have the money to by me one. Are protein skimmer needed for a FOWLR tank? And my dad was talking to the LFS manager who told my dad that you dont need a skimmer for keeping a FOWLR tank only for corals,and the guy who works at the LFS is a professional to. So can someone please tell me , do i really need a skimmer? If so how can i tell my dad that it is necassary

 

[cubfan]

While not necessary to keep your fish ALIVE, a protein skimmer is necessary to keep your fish alive AND healthy. That being said, if he's paying the bills, then I guess you really don't have a choice. Tell him that a good skimmer is an investment that will save money in the long run because you won't lose as many fish and they will remain healthier. If he won't buy one, you can always save up and buy one yourself.

 

[volitan100]

i wonder how i will save my money up? since like when, screw it i need to get a job!:yes: :yes: BINGO! a job:yes:

 

[unleashed]

if you can afford a skimmer right away maybe you can purchase a skilter its a combo filter skimmer with carbon packs not as effective as a skimmer at least thats what im told but thats what i used for 1 1/2 yrs on my 125.

 

[volitan100]

how much is it? I got 30 on me

 

[ryan]

Ive been told that the more you pay for a skimmer the better it is and it shows. I was in the same boat you are in, and didnt have much money for anything fancy. I bought a Lees skimmer (probably the only one on this site with one) for about 30 dollars. I have to buy new wooden diffusers once every 2 or 3 months (about 5 dollars for 2). Its been working fine now for about a year. I got quite a bit of crap in the collection cup when I first started, but its died down now. Maybe this will work for you. Its not the best, but its a start.

 

[volitan100]

I had that skimmer got it for 15. It did'nt work

 

[unleashed]

Originally posted by Volitan100
how much is it? I got 30 on me
hubby says we paid like 60 bucks for mine at a discount but you might be able to find it cheeper now for me it was better than nothing.they have 2 sizes available that i have found neither on this site they range from 36.00 to 46.00 its called skilter filter

 

[michaelstern]

What sort of filters are you running?
What do you plan on keeping?
When I first started, I ran my 55 with a penguin bio wheel and nothing else. Just had a couple of fish that did fine for over a year until I upgraded to a 100 gal, also without a skimmer. 2 years later I upgraded again to my current tank with a skimmer.
I wouldn't try a regal angel in your tank, but you could certainly get away with a trigger or a couple of clowns.