Protein Skimmers

[Columbian Shark Catfish]

What are protein skimmers?
I heard they are used for marine aquariums and one of my tanks is brackish at the moment, but will be marine in the future. Does this mean I will have to set one up? Or is it optional?
If so, how do I set one up?


Thanks

 

[bgcoop8784]

from my understanding a protien skimmer basically lets the water agitate to bubble up and basically float dibris up and into another chamber, not 100%, maybe put a post in the marine section.

 

[12 Volt Man]

I have my salt tank without a skimmer.

the idea behind a skimmer is that wastes cling to the bubbles and are removed from the aquarium via the skimmer cup.

what this does is allow the waste to be removed from the system BEFORE it is converted to nitrate.

thus, the idea is to reduce the frequency of water changes (since salt is expensive).

for reef tanks, with lots of living biomass, they are pretty much mandatory to avoid trouble

however, in fish only tanks, like mine, they are optional. it just means you may have to change water a little more often thats all..

having said that, if you can get one for a good price when your brackish tank is up to full salt, it will make your life a little easier.

 

[Columbian Shark Catfish]

Thank you 12 volt man
That makes more sense.
I still have a good amount of time.

And maybe I'll get one when I start college because I won't always be home every weekend to do waterchanges.