I recently decided to start up a salt water aquarium again, and i was wondering if i should gt a protein skimmer. It's not a reef tank, but i have heard that a skimmer has positive effects in any salt water tank. So far, i have 1 Royal Gramma, 1 Chocolate chip star fish, and a horseshoe crab. Thanks, i was just curious because i have been hearing that skimmers are good, and i just wanted to know if i should get one for tank. And if you do think my tank would need them, do you know of any good skimmers on the cheaper side? Thanks for your time.
Should i get a protein skimmer for my 29 gallon?
- Thread starter adroit14
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teddyzaper
New member
What other types of filtration do you have in the tank? Whats your equipment list and maintenance look like?
A skimmer can always help, but isn't a necessary piece of equipment.
A skimmer can always help, but isn't a necessary piece of equipment.
RobZilla04
Active member
On a tank that small it's not entirely necessary. Are you running a sump?
I have 2 hang on filters. One is a 3 stage ( Bio, Carbon , sponge ) and the other is a Marineland HOT magnum filter with the polishing filter i think. And, i am not running a sump.
nereefpat
New member
Should you get a skimmer? If you want to, yes. It will make it easier to keep the tank clean by taking out organic material before it breaks down into algae fertilizer.
The problem with mechanical filters is that they need constant cleaning or else they build up crud and contribute to nutrient issues. Imo, you're better off with liverock and circulation via powerheads.
And whoever sold you that horseshoe crab should be shot.
The problem with mechanical filters is that they need constant cleaning or else they build up crud and contribute to nutrient issues. Imo, you're better off with liverock and circulation via powerheads.
And whoever sold you that horseshoe crab should be shot.
Why? It was at a place called all pets emporium.
Fuel Doodle
New member
Don't get a protein skimmer! Just be better about weekly water changes
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GoVols
Cobb Webb - 1989
With this much filtration and current bio load you don't need a skimmer.
Just keep up with regular water changes and save your money.
schnebbles
New member
Nick30 - why do you say HOB's suck? I have a reef octopus on my 40 and I like it ok.
davehead86
New member
They are not as effective, take up a lot of room and their skimmer cups are tiny so they need to be changed constantly, there is always the worry about overflowing too. Just a hassle. They work if you need one tho.
A water alarm (look on Amazon) is good to have anytime you have a HOB feature...just in case. Rare, but an algae bloom (hair algae in the downflow teeth) can clog things up even on a tank with a sump and cause a flood. But with proper care you can run a HOB for years with no problems.
I'm surprised most people here are recommending against a skimmer tbh. I agree, you probably don't NEED one, but you could say that about just about everything in this hobby. It will very likely make your life easier and probably save you money in the long run on salt since you could get away with doing water changes much less often if at all. Relying on water changes for water quality is somewhat risky imo.
If you plan to keep corals down the line then a skimmer would be an even better choice
If you plan to keep corals down the line then a skimmer would be an even better choice
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