Does a 30 gallon need a protein skimmer?

[six.line]

When it comes to fish, either size or number, at what point does a 30 gallon + 10 gallon sump require a protein skimmer?

 

[clown-x]

fish are dirty.. they require food and leave waste... corals are cleaner but require more "pristine" conditions. My experience is limited.. but I would put a skimmer on your tank regardless of the size. It may be okay without it with the proper bio filtration.. but after seeing what our skimmer takes out of our tank.. i would def use one.

 

[Andrew]

It doesn't need one but I would recomend one. A small asm skimmer or coralife skimmer would work fine.

 

[TekCat]

Looks like you're looking for an excuse not getting a skimmer
Skimmers are not required, however they make your life alot easier when it comes down to maintaining a healthy tank. IMO, get the skimmer rated for 50-75 gallon tank.

 

[six.line]

Tek:

Am not.

I'm looking to squeeze the budget so my wife will let me take my brother-in-law's unused 29 gallon and 10 gallon and convert them into another reef tank.

Fair enough. What makes for a 'good' protein skimmer? Brand?

 

[jayke]

I would definitely recommend a skimmer. I have a 38 gallon and am pretty diligent with water changes. Even with a light bioload, my skimmer pulls out a lot of gunk. Thick green to black skimmate at about 2-3 cups a week.

 

[jpfelix]

some corals like "dirty" tanks. fish don't require a skimmer, sps do. if you do not have enough suface aggitation you will get a slime coat that prevents gas exchange. a skimmer will help with this surface sludge because the slime is often made of proteins and other organics. the skimmer removes proteins and organics that are attached to them.

it's your call, but i'd get one.

 

[six.line]

Yeah, I've seen what they pull out, and I feel like I understand their function, but I've heard of people being proud that they go without a protein skimmer. My 15 gallon nano doesn't have one, and whether or not it needs it isn't really the question. (Couldn't put one on there anyway, no room.)

But as I contemplate a new tank, I want to take into account as much as I possibly can.

 

[jayke]

People I have met that go skimmerless tend to do massive amounts of water changes (both quantity and frequency). That seems to keep things in check, but a lot of hassle.

 

[BlackOnyx]

cpr bakpak and aqua remora's are popular.

 

[asphaltpilot]

Get the skimmer, even if you could go without it. The skimmer will only help. It could also save you money in the long run by doing less water changes and treatment.

 

[TekCat]

Heheh, you could go without the skimmer but then you'd have to increase frequency and amount of water changes.

As far as "good" I can only speak from my experience, I have AquaC Remora that hangs on to my 10Gallon sump. In short, I am very happy with it

 

[Joshthenosh]

if your on a tright budget u can get an internal skimmer wish uses a stone to create bubbles, thers only about 20 bucks, and while not great, if u f get the adjustment right , they pull out tons of crap

 

[XeniaMania]

You forget to factor out the cost of replacing the limewood airstones. They're cheap at first, but costly in the long run. I'd say just skip a few lunches and save up for a used BakPak or Remora.