protein skimming

[gotseamonkey]

hey all just curious... is a skimmer really necessary for a 17 gallon reef? if so... any suggestions to a quiet and small skimmer.

[leebca]

A skimmer isn't necessary equipment on any sized aquarium. It is a preference to help keep water quality high. I'm not familiar with the small units, but you're looking for a skimmer that would be used for a nano aquarium. Check out some of the sponsors of this site.

[KaraBinNemsi]

hey all just curious... is a skimmer really necessary for a 17 gallon reef? if so... any suggestions to a quiet and small skimmer.

Hi!

I have a small nano tank as well and I got myself a very small air skimmer its using a small basswood piece to produce really lots of tiny air bubbles that create enough foam from the water to get out the proteines. It doesnt require any electric, only a strong air pump which i already have (400liters per hour) and its small so I dont need to have it running 24/7 and I can remove it easy. And its extremely cheap compared to "real" skimmers with fan etc. it cost me only 40EUR.

Since I am living close to the sea I am using fresh seawater when I make water changes and dont require anything bigger anyway but I consider it a good option because you dont need to have a big skimmer for a small tank...

[gotseamonkey]

thanks a lot for the valuable information!