Mechanical filter?

[Leetch]

Sorry for the noob questions but hey I'm a noob.

Do I need to have additional mechanical filtration if I am running a protein skimmer or would that only hold true (if it's even true) only if I'm running a sump? I have read different opinions on this but I have always been under the opinion that the more total filtration I have, the better the water quality will be for my little fish friends.

P.S. (I am not running a sump at the moment. I just have a bio wheel filtration system with a remora c protein skimmer.)

[Leetch]

Never mind - I'm going with NO. I read the FOWLR and other posts on this site and NO seems to be the common thread. I guess that's what I get for yahoo'ing answers...lol

[Ninong]

Some people run some sort of mechanical filtration while others run none. You have to decide that one for yourself. You can always add mechanical filtration in the future if you think you would rather have it.

[jaybroreef]

Hey fellow reefer, Im glad this subject came up! Ive been in the hobby on and off for 15 years..Tried everything within my budget, which is obviously VERY important.I have found that on my nano- tanks(40galorless), I run a good protein skimmer, a heater( aGOODone), a couple of power heads(koralina), a hang on the back mechanical filter which I have a little floss, and mainly carbon. The best luck Ive had is to cycle that tank a LONG time with good cured live rock... always run your skimmer... run your mechanical filter only when your water gets a little cloudy....It will clear it up pretty quick. Always test your water for EVERYTHING. This way seems to keep your nitrates low... be sure and clean, or replace your filter frequently, your not getting your biological filtration from this filter, it comes from your well-picked live rock.Dont overfeed. GOOD LUCK fellow reefer!!!!