Discussion - What benefits....

[Reefscape]

....do you see of running a protien skimmer on a Fish Only ( FO ) or a Fish Only With Live Rock ( FOWLR )? If none, why?

Looking at the pro's and con's of having a protien skimmer on either of these types of tanks, would you recomend a newcomer to the hobby to have one? and Why?

What do you concider when choosing fish for a Fish Only tank? Is it based on color? a specific personality? Aggression? or any other reasons?

 

[micstarz]

For a FOWLR, I'd definately run a skimmer to get rid of the waste...since there is no macroalgae present to utilize the stuff...

 

[sweeTang21]

i think that a skimmer is a beneficial tool to marine fish keeping. A lot of fish are sensative to poor water conditions and what not. Fowlr systems or FO systems will tend to consist of large dirty fish, and the addition of a skimmer will help remove these organics. Now you can replace a skimmer with proper filtration and regular water changes and I feel if you intend to run a marine system without a skimmer but maintain good water parameters, then youd never know the difference.

 

[FLESHY]

I would recommend a protein skimmer in any saltwater tank. The water will just get nasty if you dont have it.

 

[BIGgourami]

Con - superfluous spending
still have to deal with skimmate

Pro - increased stocking level
dont need to change water as often
can keep fish more sensitive to water quality without any direct effort on your part

 

[FLESHY]

Con - superfluous spending
still have to deal with skimmate

Pro - increased stocking level
dont need to change water as often
can keep fish more sensitive to water quality without any direct effort on your part

Honestly? If you are serious about saltwater are you going to be turned off by $300 more when youve already spent a fortune on everything else? No. Get a skimmer.

 

[BIGgourami]

Yes cause I'm really going to spend 1/4 of the rent money for a skimmer up front, they're not necessary, a luxury, and can wait

It's not biggie sizing your lunch for 25 cents
If 300 bucks extra is nothing for you, then good for you

 

[Reefscape]

Tanks can be run well without a skimmer, my systems are testament to that, and if anyone wants to go over to AC and check out member name " noskimmer " and check his tank out, you'll see that youe "HAVE" to have a skimmer on a system. His is a fine example...

 

[sweeTang21]

i agree, like i said in my first post. If you intend to have enough rock and do water changes, you'll be just fine. But at the same stab, skimmers are efficient for the most part, and just an added tool to water clarity.

 

[captiago]

Con - superfluous spending
still have to deal with skimmate

Pro - increased stocking level
dont need to change water as often
can keep fish more sensitive to water quality without any direct effort on your part

Tanks can be run well without a skimmer, my systems are testament to that, and if anyone wants to go over to AC and check out member name " noskimmer " and check his tank out, you'll see that youe "HAVE" to have a skimmer on a system. His is a fine example...

I fall in these camps for the bolded reasons.