[AutumnPine]

I'm a little confused on the use of a protein skimmer. When I ask my LPS informed me that if I have a FOWLR tank that its not necessary to run a protein skimmer, but reading many of the threads from this site several people have stressed the importance of having one. I would be thankful for any insite as I am just starting in this hobby and have much to learn. I have a 29 gallon with an Emporer 280 and a Rio 800. I am going tomorrow to get more live rock. Have only setup my tank 2 days ago. SG=1.022, ph=8.2, ammonia=.050, and no nitrites yet.

[leebca]

Back in the lat 60's when I first had my first aquariums, we didn't know about skimmers. The Germans were using them and claimed they did great things.

Had I known back then (what I know now) what the skimmate looks like, I would have agreed with the Germans and installed a skimmer. Who wants that junk in their water?

A tank can run successfully without one, but I would prefer to use it. It's an amazing bit of simple apparatus. Even Nature uses a skimmer -- it's the foam at the edge of the beach made by waves aerating the water that rushes to the shore.

[Saltwaterhobby]

You definetly will need one sooner or later, without a skimmer, your tank will eventually crash as the wastes accumlate over time unless you want to do water change weekly. I would recommend one, take a look at the aquaC romera protien skimmer. It is quality as well as efficent build, they do a great job for a tank that size.

[AutumnPine]

thanks ya'll. i'll definitely check into the aquaC remora. do u think the 800 will be enough or should i get the 1200

[Saltwaterhobby]

I would recommend the maxjet 1200 over the rio 800, or if you have money the pro version with the mag 3 pump is even better.

[BubbaWPB]

Avoid the Rio pumps... do a search here on Reefland on "rio" and you'll see lots of stories about the pumps catching fire... even underwater.

[CRJDriver]

Any suggestions for an in sump skimmer? I have a 75 gal, thanks.

[BubbaWPB]

If money isn't a limitation, Deltecs are the ultimate... otherwise, I like my Aqua-C.... they are the same ones who make the Remora hang on models.

[CRJDriver]

Unfortunately I can't say money isn't a limitation. I'll take a look at the Aqua C. Thanks

[Saltwaterhobby]

Yep, AquaC is the best bang for the bucks!

[DaviesPats]

get a skimmer...they work wonders mine has been going for only a few days in the new tank and its already picking up a bunch

[CRJDriver]

Anyone have opinions or have used the Coralife Super Skimmer, the LFS says they work well. My understanding is the AquaC EV models are among the best however the Coralife might be more in my price range. Also anyone have any thoughts on ASM skimmers? Thanks

[Saltie]

I use the ASM in my 110 gallon and have nothing but good things to say about it. It is a great skimmer!

[tray262]

Deltec's are probally one of the best out there, but also one of the most expensive ones too. So that bening said look into the octapus skimmers (Deltec knock offs) They are awsome I'm picking mine up tonight. My friend has had his going for a couple months now and it's pulling more stuff out of his water. He actually had too skimmers on his 220 and now he pulled them off for just this one. He had one super skmmer 220 and a AquaC (fairly large one) anyways this new one is pulling out more junk then both the others combined.

[mungus]

If you are looking at the ASM definatly give the reef octopus a look. They are made from cast acrylic instead of extruded. IMO the build quality is much better. They will perform the same as an ASM right out of the box and with a few simple mods they can perform as well as some of the big dogs.

FWIW
Brian

[Reefland]

Octopus Skimmers

[tray262]

Thanks Scott. Aquarium lighting, aquarium filters, protein skimmers, aquarium pumps, aquarium products is also the same skimmer brand.

[Reefland]

I have been really pleased with our Bermuda Aquatics skimmer and removed a MRC.