skimmers?

[Oakie]

Do nano tank need skimmers?

 

[Agu]

Regular water changes work just as good in nanos as having a skimmer. It also eliminates a piece of equipment that takes up space in a nano.

 

[sir_dudeguy]

how nano are we talkin about? I have a skimmer (remora) on my 29, but imo 29 isnt even nano at all, but thats besides the point.

At the same time, i have a 40 breeder (not a nano at all either) that is not running w/a skimmer at the moment (mostly because the one i got doesnt work and i have no money )

But all is well on both tanks.

Also, i plan on setting up a 16 bow soon and will not run a skimmer. Weekly water changes should be perfectly good to keep it in good shape.

 

[Oakie]

12g nano cube

 

[sir_dudeguy]

ya i wouldnt even bother w/a skimmer on your tank. Just keep up on water changes and you'll be fine.

 

[Oakie]

ok, thanks. I have activated charcoal in first chamber and live rock in the center chamber (across back of nano). Should I be doing anything else by way of filtration - other than water changes?

 

[stsmythe]

what if you don't keep up with the weekly water changes, say like once every two weeks? would a skimmer be very beneficial?

 

[chevegan]

I would think once every 2 weeks will be fine. Thats what I do with mine. I'm still gonna put a DIY skimmer though, just for kicks

 

[oddiseus]

I like skimmers, they allow for you to be lazy. and they pull a lot of crap out. You will also get away with a bigger bio load.
So the decision should be:
Can you afford it?
Do you have space?

 

[Eskie]

I have a 24g, and do weekly changes, but my skimmer still pulls stuff out. It might not be necessary, but I feel better with one in use.

 

[stsmythe]

Eskie, what type of skimmer do you have on yours?

 

[smartang22]

For the smaller nanos (12 or 14 gallon) where do you put the skimmer? In the main tank or in a back chamber? I was thinking of doing a skimmer but I wonder if it will fit with the lid down and can be out of the way. I don't want too much in the main tank. I have a heater but I think that is going to go in one of the back chambers if the skimmer doesn't. Thanks!

 

[ELCHUPACABRA]

If you do not overstock the tank you can get away with not having a skimmer and rarely doing water changes. Its all about bioload and nutrient up take. I would run a fuge before I would run a skimmer. Chaeto is the way to go.