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Wondering if I need or want a protien skimmer

I have a 125 gallon tank fish& live rock. I am using 2 fluvial 405 filters and wondering if I should add a protien skimmer I want my tank to be happy& healthy. Thank you.

Age: 35-44

Gender: male

1 year, 6 months ago

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Robertnorcal707

Windsor ca

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A skimmer is not absolutely required, but you will have to spend a ridiculous amount of time/money to accomplish the same thing by other means. I cannot see how it would be possible to stock corals without one. The other advice is to get a good one as this and the lights are the two most important (and expensive) parts of the tank.

Another note - as the previous poster noted, there is almost no need for the fluvial filters in the current form. Remove the physical filtration medium and add something else, e.g. GFO, etc., to remove excess phosphates. Carbon can help too.

Age: 35-44

Gender: male

2 days ago

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IPWitan

Swampscott, MA

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Yes, a protein skimmer is absolutely necessary for a marine aquarium of this size or any setup that uses live rock as the primary source of biological filtration. Your skimmer will function as your main source of filtration in addition to the live rock, which it will take some of the load off ammonia and nitrite reduction because it will remove some organic waste before the live rock gets to process it. This is known as the "Berlin" method which is one of the most proven and succesful FOWLR and reef keeping methods. On most nano tanks under 20 gallons and all pico reefs you can get away without using a skimmer considering it will would be too bulky and complicated for the tank. Nano and pico tanks are definately not for beginner marine aquarists and require daily attention and nearly daily water changes. Your cannister filters will be good for chemical and mechanical filtration and water circulation. Remember to remove any biological media as this will create miniature nitrate factories and use only high quality carbon in media bags or synthetic resins and you can use the filter pads designed for use in the Fluvals for mechanical filtration. Once you get and effective skimmer and it breaks in and is skimming good and you follow the advice about the cannisters you will have absolutely crystal clear water with an almost glass like quality which is how my tank looks.

1 year, 1 month ago

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ericr

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Thank you for your question. A protein Skimmer is not required unless you are housing Corals or have a heavily stocked aquarium.

1 year, 6 months ago

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DRS1

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do i need a protein skimmer for a 25gallon salt water aquarium

2 years, 1 month ago

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dadnl

lincoln ne

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i have used a skimmer for tanks as small as 10 and 16 gallon, the diff is importtant, a regular filtrer will trap waste, but a skimmer will remove it. I have run 4 different size salt water tanks and a skimmer has been my main form or only form of filteration always.

1 year, 10 months ago

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dnyc

ny

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Thank you for your question. We recommend that aquarists use a protein skimmer as supplemental filtration to help reduce organic buildup in their aquariums. By removing the organic waste BEFORE it goes into your main filtration system, you greatly increase the effectiveness of your filtration. We have a handy comparison chart that lists skimmers that will work in an aquarium your size. http://www.fosterandsmithaquatics.c...

2 years ago

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Staff3

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have a 60 gallon tank that i am trying to have plants in.

have a 60 gallon tank that i am trying to grow plants in . but for some reason they keep dying.

Age: 25-34

Gender: male

1 year, 3 months ago

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Raul1

chicago

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Is this freshwater? If so are you supplying CO2? I have a 55G tank I have had going for almost 2 years and other than minor problems here and there the plants are going strong (in fact taking over, time to prune). You must supply CO2 for them to survive. If you are than I don't know.

Age: 55-65

Gender: male

1 year, 1 month ago

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Steve1

N. CA

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Thank you for your question. Please contact our Customer Service Department at 1-800-381-7179 or email Customerservice@DrsFosterSmith.com as more information is needed to better answer your question.

ajl

1 year, 3 months ago

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DRS1

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trying to build a 29g (301/4 x 121/2 x 183/4) salt water sump. I have a 75g salt water tank (main tank). What kind of protein skimmer & return pump also need power head need to run 29g sump with my 75g main tank.

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Gender: male

1 year, 5 months ago

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mikenice

Springfield, ma.

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Largest size sump you can get in cabinet is best. The more sump the more water your adding. So your tank becomes a 100 gallon tank with your current choice. Your pump should match your Gph return. Consider height for skimmer choice so it fits well in sump. Also consider its foot print. On pump returns I favor quite ones that's the manufacturer name not reference to noise.. Depending on your inhabitants you typically want 10 times your tank size your water return. Power heads are preference. You can use two small ones to create different flows or one rated for 75 gallons and have a circular flow in tank. I prefer two since oceans do not circulate. Hope that helps.

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Gender: male

2 months, 2 weeks ago

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Reefmonger2

Dayton, ohio

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Thank you for your question. As there are a variety of factors to consider when sizing return pumps and protein skimmers for sumps we are requesting that you please contact our Customer Service Department at 1-800-381-7179 or e-mail us at customerservice@drsfostersmith.com for assistance. – mar

1 year, 5 months ago

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DRS1

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I have 150 gal tank, what is the very best HOB skimmer?

I want the best in all categories, quiet, efficient, best cleaning capabilities, and decent warranty. Im overwhelmed with the choices. Is an in sump better than a hob? I dont really want a noisy sump.

Age: 35-44

Gender: female

1 year, 4 months ago

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Crissie

Minnesota

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Research is the key. How much are you willing to spend. Do you want one with replaceable pump (best choice). As far as in sump.... I think that is really the best. If anything fails and your skimmer fills over night it drains into the sump instead of your floor. Any leakage in fittings is contained in sump. Plus there's the collection. I find less surface gunk with in sump then hang on back. I also like that equipment is concealed. Remember the most important rule with your choice. You get what you pay for and read those reviews on products they will help in determining quality. If you do decide on in sump also consider height of unit and required water level. Hope this helps.

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Gender: male

2 months, 2 weeks ago

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Reefmonger2

Dayton, ohio

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Thank you for your question. We apologize, we are not able to recommend one specific skimmer. The item you choose will be largely based on personal preference.

ajl

1 year, 4 months ago

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DRS1

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