Go from fresh to salt
- Thread starter jim barry
- Start date
You surely dont need a skimmer to start up a tank because there is no waste to be skimmed and wont be for a while because you are not going to fully stock your tank after it has just cycled. I dont use a skimmer on a FO tank and I dont intend to ever unless I really see the need but others swear by them, so its your choice. I dont over feed and I am careful with keeping up on my water changes!! I switched over a few years ago and glad I did since the colors and kinds of fish are many and you will be glad too!
Deano1956;2686701; said:
You don't NEED one to start up a tank. All depends how much live rock you get as well which can drastically reduce the cycle period. A skimmer (good one) will pull out waste in a tank that has live rock and nothing else, so obviously will be a great tool to have when you have fish making more waste.
While I would agree to most information regarding skimmers the only benefit I see of one in a FO tank would be that it adds additional o2 into the water.
While a skimmer is great for pulling out wastes from the water column, keep in mind that with water changes you reduce the need for a skimmer.
I do weekly water changes and I do have a coralife skimmer on one of my tanks, however I only run the skimmer in the middle of the week to remove what little waste is in the water.
Skimmers I feel tend to be a bit of a bandaid for those that do not want to change the water as often and go between changing water 1-2x a month if that.
I run a simple system, as I don't enjoy allowing the additions that many use like reactors or computer controlled/automated equipment. For me it kills the reasoning of working on tanks.
While a skimmer is great for pulling out wastes from the water column, keep in mind that with water changes you reduce the need for a skimmer.
I do weekly water changes and I do have a coralife skimmer on one of my tanks, however I only run the skimmer in the middle of the week to remove what little waste is in the water.
Skimmers I feel tend to be a bit of a bandaid for those that do not want to change the water as often and go between changing water 1-2x a month if that.
I run a simple system, as I don't enjoy allowing the additions that many use like reactors or computer controlled/automated equipment. For me it kills the reasoning of working on tanks.
skene;2686825; said:
Please don't think i'm having a go at you as opinions do vary, but we all know fish algae and uneaten food = nitrogenous waste = protein, which a skimmer removes, so even a FO tank will benefit and if the same regular water changes are carried out then the water quality will surely be better than a tank without a skimmer?
Yes in some ways... but also in other ways no.
You must keep in mind that albeit a skimmer will remove waste, it also does the same with needed vitamins and minerals. Some more prevalent than others for a reef tank, that's why it is always needed to continue dosing to replenish those with additives that are continuously being used up by the livestock.
Now granted, like I stated a FO system where most of the minerals and vitamins are not necessary, whereas what will use it up? If there are no corals etc, so there is less of a need of skimming as opposed to removing a little bit of waste through the collection cup. Hence it would be more important to give the fish consistant new water. Keep in mind that you cannot replace needed things like electrolytes that the fish use up with just small top offs to replace what you removed or with evaporation.
So what I recommended overall with FO systems that water be replaced at larger quantities, which mind you would remove the waste anyhow, be done for the health and benefit of livestock.
Something to think about.
You must keep in mind that albeit a skimmer will remove waste, it also does the same with needed vitamins and minerals. Some more prevalent than others for a reef tank, that's why it is always needed to continue dosing to replenish those with additives that are continuously being used up by the livestock.
Now granted, like I stated a FO system where most of the minerals and vitamins are not necessary, whereas what will use it up? If there are no corals etc, so there is less of a need of skimming as opposed to removing a little bit of waste through the collection cup. Hence it would be more important to give the fish consistant new water. Keep in mind that you cannot replace needed things like electrolytes that the fish use up with just small top offs to replace what you removed or with evaporation.
So what I recommended overall with FO systems that water be replaced at larger quantities, which mind you would remove the waste anyhow, be done for the health and benefit of livestock.
Something to think about.
I guess we a trying to make steril like condidtions even better than the ocean, yea? Well all in all its up to You what You want to do, my fish are growing and healthy and eating without some of the bells and whistles that are availible, but some things are optional!
FO tanks are generally dirtier (seeing as they dont NEED to be so clean that peoepl dont keep them that clean)
any added filtration is always a plus to any tank
any added filtration is always a plus to any tank
I have kept Stingrays for a few years now so i am use to doing weekly water changes of 50 gallons on a 150 gallon tank. Would this be too much to change on a saltwater given that part of the reason i am thinking of going to saltwater is i am fed up of water changes !!
