[spils]

Hi All,

This is my first post on Reefland so go easy on me. Ive got a 90 litre 2 foot tank setup with live rock fish etc. Currently Im NOT running a skimmer. I have been given lots of advice in terms of not needing a skimmer/needing a skimmer by various sources.

What are your thoughts. Do I need a skimmer or not?

Thankyou in advance.

[PDAJunkie]

For me, the best answer for that question would be the question "Why wouldn't you use a skimmer? I have always been of the opinion that if I could do something to improve the quality of my water at a reasonable cost then it would 'more than likely' benefit me in the long run.

[philolsen]

I ran my tanks for years without a skimmer...what a mistake and one I will never make again. After I added a skimmer on one tank and saw the difference I was sold, the fish, corals water everything was vastly improved. Since then I have never ran any of my tanks witout one. The fish are more active and eat better, the corals have much better colors and growth, a skimmer is by far the most important part of any tank and it needs not only to have a skimmer but a quality skimmer, not the $60 special at petsmart.

[spils]

Thanks for your help guys. Ive already set my skimmer up.

[philolsen]

What did you get?

[spils]

Ive got a crappy Jebo 180 hang on. Was useless on my old 4ft setup but seems to be running well. Overnight its pulled nearly half a cup of crap outta this tank

[philolsen]

I had a Jebo once, it worked OK for the money once it was finally set right, I would not plan on it for the long haul though.

[maynard0626]

I would say for sure to use a skimmer with no matter what size tank. 2 times a week I empty mine and smell the rotten black gunk that gets removed and think how could I keep my tank with out one. I would say get the best skimmer you can afford.

[Randy]

Originally Posted by maynard0626

I would say for sure to use a skimmer with no matter what size tank. 2 times a week I empty mine and smell the rotten black gunk that gets removed and think how could I keep my tank with out one. I would say get the best skimmer you can afford.

I second that! Buy one or make one. I don't want to be a party pooper or anything, but I had the Jebo and I dumped it back off on eBay. I think I could have made a better one out of a 2 liter bottle or something.

I made one before and it isn't that hard. If you make one right it can function better than one you can buy and cost much less.