Protein Skimmer

[smokinjoe2122]

Hey guys, I had another question. I am looking into getting a skimmer for my tank, it's that 35 gallon octagon tank. I don't have a lot of room on the top to add equipment, and I'll have to modify (cut into) the top plastic cover as it is. I am looking for one that's not super expensive, but will work with my tank. If anyone knows of a brand or model that could point me in the right direction, I'd appreciate it. I have seen the smaller ones used in Nano tanks, but they were rated for 30 gallons, and I wasn't sure if that would work...

Thanks -

 

[SkiFletch]

Well Joe, first question is; Why do you think you need a skimmer? Second; Are you in the US or UK?

 

[smokinjoe2122]

I thought it would be a good idea to have one for my tank. Right now I am only using a Penguin 170 Bio-Wheel filter as my only source of filtration, and I'm not sure if that is enough for my tank, even though it is smaller. I was under the impression it was almost necessary to have one for a salt water tank. I am in the US

 

[SkiFletch]

Well Joe, actually it depends on what you want to do with your saltwater tank. If it's going to be Fish Only or Fish Only with Live Rock, a skimmer is not necessary. Even if you're going to consider soft corals, a skimmer still is not needed. Its when you switch over to keeping sensetive soft corals and invertebrates that they are required.

 

[andywg]

I will disagree slightly with Ski above. When keeping a FOWLR that has predatory and messy fish then skimming becomes more important than it is for reef tanks with a skimmer rated for at least 2, and preferably 3 times the size of the system.

There is still debate about whether a skimmer really has a place in a well designed reef, there is no such debate with SW preds.

 

[SkiFletch]

Touche, I suppose I was speaking more of common FOWLR tanks with more docile fish .