Can you use a Protien Skimmer w/freashwater?

[mzhantsche]

I bought a protien skimmer for my freashwater sump and some people say its only for saltwater and some say i should use it. Whats the truth?

Also if i do use it.....can i over skim the water? No live plants.

 

[Spiritofthesoul]

Yes you can use protein skimmer in FW tanks. Removing organics from the water keeps it crisp and reduce the need for water change.

 

[EastBay]

From what I hear, they're not very effective on FW tanks. It will pull a little bit, but not much.
So they say.

 

[jft]

skimmers only work effectively in marine tanks or with high fish populations with tons of organics, ponds etc: while it may ,work water changes and good biofiltration in freshwater tanks will probally yield better results in the long run.

 

[mzhantsche]

??? still kinda confused.

 

[pacu mom]

Here's a thread on freshwater protein skimmers:
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=282582&highlight=Clarity+protein+skimmer


Koi Enterprises sells them:
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=412385&highlight=Clarity+protein+skimmer

 

[Ancient_Fish_Master]

i dont think it is necessary to run a protein skimmer on a FW tank. IMHO its just a waste of space and electricity.

 

[mzhantsche]

Ok. Seems like the only kind for protien skimmer for freashwater breaks down into smaller bubbles. This one is not the right design. I now have a large protien skimmer for sale.

 

[Egon]

Ok. I now have a large protien skimmer for sale.

LOL

My large used acrylic aquariums I got off of Craigs List were SW. They all came with protien skimmers. I could never get them to work in my FW set up. I have a few used skimmers for sale too............