Protein skimmer or UV Sterilizers

[d9sccr]

I have a 12 gallon aquapod with a Current USA MH on top. Since I have the MH, I have an open top. I want to get either a protein skimmer or UV Sterilizer, but do not know which would be more beneficial. I know that they do different things, but I am just wondering which would be more advantageous. Also, is there even a good skimmer for a nano yet? Thanks.

 

[d9sccr]

anybody??

 

[victor_c3]

I don't know how it performs, but if I were to buy a skimmer for a tank under 25 gallons I'd get one of these

http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem.asp?idproduct=AC3431

According to what I've read on this forum, aquaC makes some pretty decent skimmers.

 

[DJChesnutRabbit]

Alot of people (myself included) don't use skimmers in nano tanks. They can remove vital trace elements out of your tank.
A sterilizer can remove bacteria, parasites, and algae. If I were to choose 1 or the other, I'd definatly go with the sterilizer.
-Rabbit

 

[fishdoc11]

I would pick the skimmer by far. I have used both on several tanks of mine and feel the UV offers limited benefits on a reef tank. Molecular disassociation of bound phosphate being the major one. This is not needed IME if a tank is skimmed properly. That being said, as has been mentioned, the size of a nano tank makes it possible to maintain a nice tank with just water changes alone and I don't think a skimmer is required equipment although I choose to use one on mine.
hth, Chris

 

[Ocean In A Box]

fishdoc11-

If you don't mind me asking, what is Molecular disassociation of bound phosphate?

 

[fishdoc11]

When phosphate is bound to an organic molecule(DNA and other protiens etc...) it is called organic phosphate. UV, if strong enough, can break this bond liberating inorganic phosphate.

Chris

 

[Eskie]

A skimmer will benefit your system far more than a UV sterilizer, especially if the irradiation dose and total water turnover in the tank are not optimized. For a luxury addition, ozone would be a better choice paired with an ozone accepting skimmer, although even on a 33g tank, the added benefit of ozone and the need for a controller probably do not justify the expense.

Henry

 

[Str8baller]

I am in the process of setting up a tank like yours, i bought a small skimmer ( Fission Nano Skimmer), but it looks really really small, don't know if it can actually do anything. But i would agree protein skimmers do a lot for a tank, no matter what size. Get the biggest one you can afford is always recommended but thats kinda hard in a nano >.<, but look into it, and the one i have is always worth a try, and ill report back soon, on the quality of the skimmer .

 

[Ocean In A Box]

Str8baller -
Getting the biggest skimmer you can afford no matter the size tank isn't really the strategy when it comes to protein skimming, IMO. You should get one that skims effectively enough for the size and type (bio-load) that you have.
ie) I'll be running a RemoraPro on a 30g cube...no sense in the expense or just the fact that you'd be overskimming a small tank w/ a huge/power PS. Know what I mean?

 

[keithdoc]

I'm running a Tunze Nano DOC skimmer in the back of my AP12 with MH. I had to mod the 1st/2nd chamber to fit it in there, but it pulls off plenty. It's probably overkill on a 12, but I change out less water each week this way, and the water is pristine.

As for the Current Fission nano skimmer - search the forums. Although I have no personal experience with it, there are plenty of others who sum it up quite well. If you can find one good post about it, I'll eat these words. Otherwise, RETURN it.

 

[Ocean In A Box]

AquaC makes a smaller HOT Remora for nano tank,s which might be an option for those who like or have used AquaC's in the past, too. It is shorter so will hang on and accomodate shallower tanks for instance.