The Puffer Forum

Im just wondering if you have to have a protein skimmer for a SW tank, My tank is 30 gallons and i have a hang on the back filter is this good enough for filtration?

You don't have to have it, but it really helps keep the water clear and clean. It reduces the need do frequent, expensive water changes. I can't imagine my life without my protein skimmer. I do 50 percent water changes bi-weekly at the moment. Not a spec of nuisance algae, and my water is sparkling clear.

I have a HOB filter also, but I use it purely for biological and chemical filtration. I'm not sure if a protein skimmer would be considered mechanical? I do see food particles in my skimmate from time to time.

You need to totally rethink filtration for SW, it is nothing line FW. A FW HOB filter set up as for FW, is nothing but a nitrate factory. Filtration for SW, generally consists of live rock combined with a powerhead for flow & a protein skimmer & many folks add a refugium for extra nitrate removal. The skimmer & fuge isn't a must--it all depends on how much $$$ you have to spend on $alt for extra water changes.

I'm new to marine and am running a skimmer...I don't think I would ever *not* use one, it's insane how much stinky crud it pulls out!

+100000

thanks for the info, ya i need one but im poor right now, I have heard that the HOB protein skimmers are the biggest waste of money also, have any of you had luck with them. thats probably all i can afford tell summer, if not i will just have to stick with water changes

What size tank are you running?

When i was testing my new tank with fresh water...my skimmer did not froth (?)

I know there are more people that use it, but i have no idea what they do to let him skim

I have Backpac skimmers on my 15g & 50g tanks. Quite pleased with the function. Got both used from local reefers.

bauk: I'm fairly certain that skimmers will not work with fw, the higher the salinity the more effective they are (which is why they aren't used on most brackish tanks), somebody will correct me if I'm wrong I hope.

I personally on my 25g am running a skimmer but not a filter. I probably shoud be runnning a filter but oh well. When I was starting out looking and equipment I figured it would just be best to bite it and buy one. If you look on craigslist you may be able to find a skimmer fairly cheap from someone taking down their tank.

Good Luck!

No filter necessary for SW, just a skimmer, live rock & a powerhead to circulate. No skimmer will work in FW.

Taking notes:

so along with the freshwater stuff, you just need a skimmer, powerhead and liverock for a FOWLR? Is you have a spare filter, is there a point in using it?

Along with what FW stuff? You don't need any FW stuff for SW. I do use old HOB filters for mini refugiums, placing LR rubble in them.

the basic FW kit like
Tank
Hood
heater
lighting (except it needs to be a lot stronger)
etc..you know, the basics