FOWLR, needs protein skimming?

[DrBegalke]

OK, so my LFS told me today that a protein skimmer is NOT recommended for a 55-g FOWLR, that only a canister filter and UV sterilizer should be used...

I think a PS would be highly benefical for a FOWLR, corals aren't the only animals that enjoy good water!

What do you think?

 

[rlschne]

I think it would be almost required on a tank with certain species like puffers that are really messy eaters... but I know you can get away without one... just depends how much you like algae and all the fun stuff....not to mention that a protein skimmer should be higher on the food chain than a uv anyway - it's more useful....

 

[ACBlinky]

FOWLR tanks tend to be more heavily stocked than reefs, and I know that personally I want the water in my tanks as clean as possible. I think a protein skimmer is just as necessary on a FOWLR as a reef, sometimes even more so depending on what's in the tank.

 

[RamPuppy]

never mind the cleaning power of a skimmer, consider all the O2 it drives into the water. that is beneficial as well.

 

[tsquad]

I'd say that a skimmer is the most important aspect to a FOWLR, besides the obvious, LR.

 

[ledford1]

I wouldn't run a FOWLR without a skimmer.