Tropical Fish Forums

[Lingtime]

I have an old 30 gallon sitting there that the protein skimmer went out on. I'm thinking of starting it up again. Would I really need to run a skimmer in a 30gl? if I ran a bigger bio-wheel?

[mr.elcajon]

I would say it depends. I've been told that if u have a fish only tank, theres really no need as long as u have plenty of circulation. but if your goin with a reef tank. I would deffinitely recommend it. your corals do the same that fish do, when it comes to waste, and u need a good skimmer to get rid of all these wastes. be on the safe side and get one anyways. make sure to spend some good money, or there is no point to get one. the better the skimmer action the cleaner the tank could be.

[nes999]

from what I read from the conisenious marine aqurist. he said always have one and I do know from my buddy that even with his bare bottem tanks he runs a protein skimmer he has vary clean tanks both reef and fish only. its a matter of choice you would have to do more work with out one.
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WHY doesn't my flying fish fly?

[MarkLehr]

This post is somewhat old now, but I disagree with the advice given here.

Lets start with the original thought process. Does having a larger biological filter reduce the need for a protein skimmer?

A biological filter is utilized to convert Ammonia and Nitrite into Nitrates. A protein skimmer is utilized to remove organic waste before these organics have the opportunity to become ammonia. The 2 types of filters are in no way related, and having a larger biological filter serves no benefit of organic removal.

I personally believe that the evolution of the protein skimmer directly led to wide spread marine fishkeeping success. Before the skimmer this hobby was much more difficult and far fewer people achieved good long term results. I strongly suggest purchasing a skimmer, even on an aquarium as small as 29 gallons.

You should consider the SeaClone Skimmer for a decent, inexpensive hang-on model. These can be purchased for an affordable price at www.thatpetplace.com and many other online retailers. If money is not a huge issue, you could upgrade to the Coralife Venturi model or even the Berlin X2.

[FloridaBoy]

Mark,
Did they improve the SeaClone recently?
Most hobbyists I know avoid them, most of the open source reviews I have seen on that model range from "poor performer" to "worthless junk," as opposed to something like the Aqua-C Remora line...
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/ca/volume_1/cav1i1/protein_skimmer_impressions.htm
http://www99.epinions.com/review/Aquarium_Systems_Seaclone_100_Protein_Skimmer/content_180942179972
https://www.3reef.com/forums/protein-skimmers/sea-clone-skimmer-quality-38537.html
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Keepin' marines happy for 25 years

[MarkLehr]

[FloridaBoy]

Okay, thanks for the follow up.
It's good to hear something positive about that product, I was beginning to think no one used them anymore.
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Keepin' marines happy for 25 years