Protein Skimmer necessary?

[moevilla]

Hi all,

I have a 25 gallon tank and was told by a staff member from a reputable online store that a protein skimmer would not be necessary with enough live rock and a deep sand bed minimum 3-4". A surface skimmer maybe for the film that develops on the water surface (using a paper towel to soak this film would also work). He mentioned that this setup has worked for him for several years in a tank the same size. Any input?

 

[Fluid]

I'm sure it would probably work, but a skimmer would probably make your life easier.

 

[moevilla]

Can you briefly tell me the benefits of adding a protein skimmer? I know it removes excess nutrients.

 

[1602reefer]

No I don't think you want o go with out a skimmer. A skimmer removes all the dissolved solids from your water that you cannot see. I suppose it would work with just live rock but then that just equals more water changes to keep your water quality pristine. With out the skimmer the dissolved solids and waste just build up causing you nitrate levels to sky rocket.

 

[1602reefer]

You also could have a gnarly algae outbreak that will just make your tank look ultra s*****.

 

[drummereef]

On a sumpless 25g, it's not necessary imo. Just do weekly 10% water changes and you'll be fine. Point a powerhead at the water surface to break the surface tension. More flow the better... I run a Remora on my 40g but could easily get away without it.

 

[WaterKeeper]

It just takes some of the load off the natural biological filters in the tank. LR and LS can process quite a bit of protein but a skimmer gives them an assist in the mission and allows more loading in the tank. Skimmerless tanks are fine but make sure you don't stock one too heavily.

 

[texhorns98]

This is my skimmer three days after I set it up. I have 4 fish in a 120G with 80 or so pounds of LS and probably 135 pounds of LR. I'll never run skimmerless again, but then again, I ran without one on a smaller tank for a long time.

 

[moevilla]

Will a regular filter do the same job as a skimmer? Something like a marineland or one with a bio wheel?

 

[WaterKeeper]

Yes it will but a skimmer is a mechanical aid that removes degradeable nitrogen containing compounds before they become soluble pollutants. A biowheel will remove protein but converts it into nitrate, which is undesirable.

 

[KayHouse]

basically... skimmers take much of the unwanted protein out. makein your tank cleaner and less maintenance. sometime you can set up a tank to make it not needed to have things survive, but they will thrive better under a skimmer, due to the help it adds

 

[WaterKeeper]

Right Kay, they are not a cure all, just an aide.

 

[Brooxe]

What would be the best or at least a high quality affordable HOB skimmer?

 

[WaterKeeper]

Sure would on a small tank. Look at a HOB BacPac or Remora.