Protein Skimmer for 10 gallon?

[cichlidfort]

Hi, I am new to this forum and to the saltwater world (have experience in cichlids) and have a question or two. Do I need a protein skimmer for a 10 gallon? I have never seen an appropiate size protein skimmer for a 10 gallon and was wondering if I should have one and if I do, what kind and size. How much would this cost to get an acceptable one for a 10 gallon?

I am going to get liverock, and a powerhead/jet and already have a penguin Bio-Wheel 100 so I was just wondering if I need the extra filtration. Thanks a lot.

[Reefland]

I wouldn't set up any aquarium without a skimmer myself. For a 10 gallon you could use a small Red Sea Prism or CPR Bak-Pak.

[Steven Pro]

I agree. A protein skimmer is especially useful for beginners. While a small tank such as this can be run without one, having one give some more wiggle room.

I also agree that the Red Sea Prizm is a fine choice for this size tank. The manufacturer rates them good to up to 100 gallons or something like that, but I wouldn't use it on anyhting larger than 20-30. I would bet you can find one very inexpensively listed on eBay or elsewhere.

[CSeaSee]

I was wondering the exact same thing for a 10- gallon mantis shrimp tank. I guess I'll bust out my old Prism! Thanks a lot!

[cichlidfort]

how much do thos Prisms cost?

[Steven Pro]

Champion has it on clearance sale for under $60.
http://www.championlighting.com/prod...cat=636&page=1

[cichlidfort]

Thanks a whole lot Steven Pro. I just ordered the Red Sea Protein Skimmer Deluxe on the internet for about $59. I like this forum already. IT saved me lots of money, research and time. Simple as that.

[Poseidon]

Just a word of caution, smaller tanks are MORE WORK then larger ones in the salt water world... Small volume=fast change, Large Volume=SLOW change. Meaning it takes a LOT more to foul a large tank compared to a small one like a 10...

[CSeaSee]

Yeah, I'm certainly looking forward to my small tank and its challenges. I hope that with just a mantis shrimp, my bioload will be real low, and my big challenge will be dealing wil evaporation. Fortunately, the shrimp are hardy and can tolerate high salinity. But I'm still thinking about issues that may crop up.

[cichlidfort]

How often will I need to do water changes with a 10 gallon saltwater aquarium?

Also if i have a penguin bio-wheel 100, liverock and a Red Sea Protein Skimmer Deluxe, do I need a powerhead/jet?

[CSeaSee]

Yeah, I'd get a small one. Those other pieces of equipment won't really provide a lot of circulation.