How vital is a Protein Skimmer?

[Hirbod]

Hey guys,

Fairly new to the hobby with a 40 gallon salt water tank that's still in it's cycling phase.

My LFS informed me that a protein skimmer isn't mandatory for my tank, however I'm curious as to how important it truly is..

Will I be able to sustain without one? Because I really don't like the extra equipment hovering my tank/ noise.

Thank you for your time!

 

[whosurcaddie]

I would look into getting a sump so you can expand your equipment. It makes your maintenance easier when you have a sump. Saying that, no its not necessary to run a skimmer. With your tank size water changes will be enough to keep all parameters in check. You will have to larger volume and more changes altogether though if you don't want a skimmer.

 

[stingeragent]

A skimmer gives you a cushion if you forget to do a w/c every once in a while.

 

[billdogg]

I ran a 60g cube for 22 years without so yes it can be done. It will be easier to keep stable parameters with, however

 

[heathlindner25]

If you plan on doing any sort of carbon dosing for nutrient removal, then yes a skimmer is mandatory.

 

[Reef Frog]

Let's say your tank will eventually be packed with sensitive corals and lots of hungry fish at some point in the future. You'll probably want a skimmer at that time.

It's fairly easy to slack off on water changes and like said above, it's a nice cushion. In a closed system, the junk has to be removed somehow. If you're going to do a sump, it's a lot easier to do so from the get go rather than later in a mature established tank. I have a tank that is turning 6 years old & I couldn't imagine running it correctly without a skimmer. Just my opinion. But it can be done.

 

[cheucklate]

This guy claims to be very successful using only algae scrubber & a bag of carbon. If money is a constraint for you perhaps research on DIY algae scrubbers for nitrate & phosphate control.
I highly recommend a sump though. There are also DIYs to install a overflow pipe without drilling holes but it's a bit of a project. good luck !

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RAqCZlR_Un8

 

[drillsar]

If you go with a skimmer go with a SCA-301 or SCA-302 for that tank. They are good skimmers and cheap. I modded mine and have to clean cup every 2 days.. You don't have to mod it though as these skimmers are good and cheap. Modding it though creates more skimmate.

 

[jayball]

I would not run a tank without a skimmer unless I was going for a macro-algae tank or a soft coral tank with a low bio-load.

 

[Sk8r]

A good skimmer prevents buildup of nastiness in your tank: it's the tank's toilet, and it needs periodic emptying of gunk.

 

[cloak]

Like mentioned above it definitely can be done if your willing to do the work needed to maintain a skimmerless system. Just as an example, look at all those beautiful nano tanks out there that don't use a skimmer. Why couldn't you incorporate that same husbandry/methodology in a much larger tank? It's pretty much the same principle, only on a much larger scale. GL.

 

[g_langley]

I use a skimmer but it pulls very little out as my load is low. It helps to oxygenate the water also which is of benefit. I think most people run one, maybe we need a poll.

 

[nuxx]

It helps to oxygenate the water also which is of benefit.

Good point.

Also like others says, pulls out a lot of organics in the water.