Protein Skimmer

[Fishboy9227]

Is it necessary for me to have a protein skimmer on a twenty gallon reef/fish tank?

 

[MinnFish]

Nope. Frequent water changes will do. But, a skimmer is the way to go.

 

[reefworm]

agreed. a 29 is not that much bigger and I skim 24/7 as it's constant nutrient transport. with a 20 there's even less tolerance in keeping your water perameters balanced, esp. as you add animals that need to be fed. it's harder to control excess nutrient in a small system as the food requirements per animal remain the same regardless of tank size, yet there is a smaller volume of water and smaller population of bacteria and infauna to deal with it. all that to say, I agree with MinnFish. If you have the room and facility you can increase your volume with a sump and or refugium to boost bio-filtration and in which to keep some cheato algae for more nutrient transport. if you don't have the room you can hang a plastic box in the tank with the cheato in it - just be sure water can flow through it.

 

[Fishboy9227]

what is cheato algae?

 

[reefworm]

cheatomorph - a variety of macro algae - the stuff that looks like a plant. Cheato forms a mass, or ball, of thick green limbs. it grows quickly under light with good water flow and so makes for excellent nutrient transport. and unlike the old favorite, caulerpa, it won't "go sexual" - that is spawn and foul your tank

 

[Fishboy9227]

can i get this stuff at the lfs?

 

[MinnFish]

:beer: Reefworm, this one is for you. Great advice and answer.
Yes, or order online. Some of the great people here will sometimes give it away.

 

[reefworm]

perhaps, depending on the LFS. Worth a call. you can also purchase online from some of our RC sponsors.

 

[reefworm]

Why thank you, friend MinnFish! I'll enjoy it after I finish this Moosehead

 

[MinnFish]

:thumbsup: :wavehand: See you reefers, later. Have a great nite. Reefworm, try to get some sleep (reading works for me).

 

[jthao]

ask a couple local reefers.... they should donate some.