[TheApprentice707]

hey I have a 10 gallon salt with 2 clowns and 15 pounds of live rock. ammonia is 0, nitrite 0, but my nitrate is about 20 - 25ppm and I find it hard to get it any lower.

I have a biowheel as my filtration right now. I would like to find a protein skimmer to get rid of my nitrate problem

How does a protein skimmer work?

What are your suggestions on a hang off the back protein skimmer for cheap.

Maybe like 50-75 dollars??

thanks!!!

[charlie]

Spend a little extra, and try this:

CPR Bak-Pak 2 Protein Skimmer (Saltwater Aquarium Supplies > Protein Skimmers > Hang On > Venturi )

You can use it on a little bit bigger tank too, when you upgrade. I have learned a few things since I have been in this hobby, and one of them is, don't skimp on your skimmer. JMHP

[TheApprentice707]

that one looks like it has been getting great reviews and the price isn't too bad considering that I could use it when I get a bigger tank. One post said they used it on a 90 gallon.

Do you think that I could use more thank one filter on a tank? For example : a biowheel and a protein skimmer? Or when i get a big tank one BIG skimmer and this one??

How many gallons do you think this one in the link you gave me could handle??

thanks for all the help!

-JONATHAN

[charlie]

I don't think I would use it on anything bigger than a 55.

If it was me, I would take the biowheel off, that may be the source of your nitrates to begin with.

How big of a tank are you gonna get. If you search around, there are folks that use more than 1 skimmer on a tank, claiming that instead of working against one another, they work in conjunction with one another, each grabbing something different.HTH

[TheApprentice707]

i would probably do a 60-90 gallon in the future.

[charlie]

It would be overwhelmed by a 90. Do a search on the bakpak skimmers, and find out what people are saying the limits are?
I had one on a 54 corner tank once, and it didn't do to bad. Alot would depend on your bioload I think.

[TheApprentice707]

yeah if I put it on anything bigger than a 55 I would add something else to help filter for sure.

I actually just got this one for my 10 gallon that will stay with me and go on my bigger tank when I can get one in the future.

AquaC Remora Protein Skimmer with Maxi-Jet 1200 Pump (Saltwater Aquarium Supplies > Protein Skimmers > Hang On > Spray Injection )

I got it at my LFS for 169.99. I get a ton of help from the guys there so i figured I would stay loyal to them.

Thanks for all of your help.

Now that my future nitrates will be lowered, what can I do about the 25-30ppm that I have right now? Will the bacteria take care of it and then eventually lower it?

[charlie]

Now that my future nitrates will be lowered, what can I do about the 25-30ppm that I have right now? Will the bacteria take care of it and then eventually lower it?

Water changes and patience.

Nice choice on the skimmer!!