Do I need protein skimmer

**jl71** · 20th Jan 2005, 22:35

I am thinking of starting a 6 gallon nano tank with a couple of shrimps, hermit crabs, snails and low light (9watts) corals, mushroom and zoos but NO fish.

Do I still need a protein skimmer for such a setup?

**kelstorm** · 24th Jan 2005, 19:51

having a skimmer is good coz it helps to remove dissolved waste. However, i do know of ppl who keeps such a tank without skimmer with success... thus, ur mileage might varies...

FC · 27th Jan 2005, 00:01

jl71,

Looks like you are into low maintenance tank which is good for Nano Reef. You should do without skimmer. Go to http://www.nano-reef.com.

I am having a 120L Reef without skimmer, change water every 2~4 weeks.

Freddy

**Masslawya** · 8th Nov 2005, 05:40

is a skimmer needed in a 150 gallon tank?

**BFG** · 8th Nov 2005, 22:14

It's advisable to have one.

**hirowen** · 9th Nov 2005, 09:21

Without skimmer means that u have to change water more fequently. Look at the waste the skimmer can collect and u will know

**michael lai** · 10th Nov 2005, 19:33

Hi JI71,
I think you might not have space for a skimmer in a 6 gallon tank. I for 1 wouldn't know how to hide it.

**DE Lightings** · 12th Nov 2005, 00:29

get a hang on skimmer

**geckoguy157** · 14th Jul 2006, 11:56

ya i got a hogn on skimmer on my 33 gallon(my first reef tank) at first i didnt realy knwo why i didnt knwo why i needed one veen with out fish in the water i coudlnt belive the stuff it pulled out of the water in a day.

**kelstorm** · 18th Jul 2006, 17:13

the amt will be more once u stock up.. the darker the color of the skimmate the better.

**Aqua Doctor** · 27th Jul 2006, 13:51

Originally Posted by jl71

I am thinking of starting a 6 gallon nano tank with a couple of shrimps, hermit crabs, snails and low light (9watts) corals, mushroom and zoos but NO fish.

Do I still need a protein skimmer for such a setup?

From what you described you "don't need" a protien skimmer; but i would give some condsideration to what types of species and there requirements you intend to do.
This is to say with proper planning/dedication...yes.

IMO. 99% of saltwater aquariums do benefit from the use of a protien skimmer.

**d2hpeter** · 27th Jul 2006, 20:43

Originally Posted by jl71

I am thinking of starting a 6 gallon nano tank with a couple of shrimps, hermit crabs, snails and low light (9watts) corals, mushroom and zoos but NO fish.

Do I still need a protein skimmer for such a setup?

hv to keep bioload low.
I hv one in my office. corals, anemone, starfishes, hermits, shrimp.
no feeding, except a few drops of phytoplankon/ zooplankon occasionally, no water change for about 5mths so far. chemi-pure in HOT filter. minor algae growth, scrap off with magnetic cleaner once in a while. so far so good.
tempted to put in a clown fish but afraid will throw system off balance.

**bukitimah** · 3rd Sep 2006, 15:00

I have a 2 ft tank with 3 damsels and Life rocks. Although I have skimmer, not much skimmate leh. I didn't change water but once the skimmer overflowed thus can consider changed once in 6 week lor.

Auctually, need more anemone and coral to add color and life to the tank.

One good soul gave me a BTA and it is so beautiful.

**Darylyap** · 6th Sep 2006, 17:00

Originally Posted by d2hpeter

hv to keep bioload low.
I hv one in my office. corals, anemone, starfishes, hermits, shrimp.
no feeding, except a few drops of phytoplankon/ zooplankon occasionally, no water change for about 5mths so far. chemi-pure in HOT filter. minor algae growth, scrap off with magnetic cleaner once in a while. so far so good.
tempted to put in a clown fish but afraid will throw system off balance.

hi peter, got pics to post?

**kpete4** · 8th Sep 2006, 01:08

Does anyone know if skimmers react to melafix???? I'm using melafix in a quarintine tank and i do some small water changes with the water from my big tank. When i water change i top off my show tank with a couple gallons from the quarintine. My skimmer has been going a bit nuts. Is it the melafix??

**jonapur** · 20th Sep 2006, 10:12

Dun wan to put skimmer ar... Easy peasy la... Hahas!! Put LIVE ROCK... yea man!!! Happy!!!

**michael lai** · 20th Sep 2006, 18:27

Originally Posted by kpete4

Does anyone know if skimmers react to melafix???? I'm using melafix in a quarintine tank and i do some small water changes with the water from my big tank. When i water change i top off my show tank with a couple gallons from the quarintine. My skimmer has been going a bit nuts. Is it the melafix??

It might be, kpete4...can't confirm on this but let me check it out. Everytime I pour melafix into my tanks, the air diffusor always gives out very tiny bubbles instead of normal size ones....hmm..