Protein skimmer alone?

[FishPharmD]

I've got an AquaC Remora Pro Skimmer for my 55 gal tank....do you think that it is enough filtration? I've also got a small HOB canister filter, and I guess it's ok for mechanical and chemical filtration (I put AC in it), but I've heard lots of people say that if you have a good enough skimmer, you don't need any other filtration. I've got plenty of powerheads for water movement too.

What do you think?

Also, anyone know a trick to get rid of surface scum (besides a surface skimmer?)

[Poseidon]

That's all I use is a good skimmer. I think you would be fine. As far as surface scum goes... Sorry you need a surface skimmer. I made a ghetto one by cutting "teeth" into my old gravel vacuum and then I put it upside down over the inlet of a HOB filter, it worked, but was very ugly and since the filter did nothing to remove it, it was just in motion rather then suspension...

[FishPharmD]

That's good about the protein skimmer, I wasn't sure if you could do that or not. I guess if you have a good cleaner crew, you don't have to worry much about mechanical and your LR takes care of biological.

The reason I ask is because I think my canister filter is contaminating the water with NO3 and PO4 from the decomposing stuff it traps.

Anyone else got any surface skimming ideas (besides actually purchasing a surface skimmer)?

Mike, I'm trying to picture that, I'll give 'er a shot.

[Reefland]

The thing is the scum is what you want to be removed from teh system, not just circulate through it. The best thing for your system is a surface skimmer so it can be removed by the skimmer.

[Samper]

How about putting some overflows in there into a sump?