i just started a 15 gal saltwater with 15lbs of live rock. i also bought a nice 3 stage filter with bio, sponge, and charcoal for a 30 gal tank that the lfs lady recommended. at the time i was not really aware of protein skimmers, but after reading tons of threads i notuice everybody seems to have one. all of their tanks are much bigger than mine though. so do i need to invest in one of these?
do i need a skimmer for a 15 gal?
- Thread starter hydroponic
- Start date
It would help, but you really dont need one on a tank that size. Weekly water changes should be sufficient.
As for the filter you bought, you may want to ditch the sponge and the bio filtration and just replace it with live rock. The sponge will collect debris and as they decompose, it will raise the nitrates/phosphates. You can add the carbon whenever you feel its nessasary.
As for the filter you bought, you may want to ditch the sponge and the bio filtration and just replace it with live rock. The sponge will collect debris and as they decompose, it will raise the nitrates/phosphates. You can add the carbon whenever you feel its nessasary.
larger tanks would be better without one, then a smaller tank. The 3stage filter sounds fine, but you dont really have a need for the BIO portion, being your rock is your bio filter. Do you have live sand as well?? The carbon can be used as well. I know alot of aquarist who dont use it at all, and then some who swear by it. Personal preference really.
