Do i need a protein Skimmer?

[Marine Newbie]

Hi all, currently having a 20L tank cycling using a external canister filter running at 1200L/Hr. Planning to include some hardy coral like mushrooms and 2 fishes to start with. Is it a neccessity for me to use a protein skimmer? or can i just make do with this filter and water changes fortnightly? PLs advice. Thanks. Cheers!

[hammy]

add the coral and fishes after cycling .

kickstart the cycling with a small piece of market prawn meat instead.

protein skimmer no need to on.

with such a small tank vol, it is best if u change once a week of water after cycling.

[sps_dude]

for such a low bio load(little fishes and corals)..... i say u can do with without a protien skimmer..... but you MUST MUST MUST MUST do water change weekly....... well in my experience..... sooner or later u will want more fish and corals......believe me i have felt how u felt before..... i also used to think i will be satisfied with a few fishes...... but now ...... i suggest u get either the red sea prizm skimmer or weipo series.... my 2 cents..... thanks

Edited August 20, 2004 by sps_dude

[Marine Newbie]

Ok, i think i will follow the advice of changing water every week, which is around 10-15% i suppose. I know i will be tempted to add more fishes.. haha, actually, i am more interested in corals which are really nice! Currently i bought a Weipro 2011 hangon skimmer from a fellow reefer for $10, but i do not have a pump for this skimmer so i was wondering if i want to put on the skimmer. Though i know by having it is safer but i would need to buy another pump for it, haha.. dilemma.. , any other comments pls? thanks all fellow reefer!

[Marine Newbie]

Any more comments fellow reefers? Would need much help..

[XPeriment 626]

Small tank means your regular water change can deal with the regular ammonia/nitrite buildup, but because of small water volume, a dead fish will cause a hell of an ammonia spike which could kill the rest of your fish.

Since you already have a skimmer, consider just getting an additional pump and run the skimmer anyway. In the long run, the frustration of dead fish (plus cost) could outweigh the price of just a pump.