To Skim Or Not To Skim

[dradttg]

Dear all,

I am very new to the marine world. I just set up a 2 ft tank less than a month ago.

I would like to keep both fishes and corals.

Some marine shop owners has recommended that I should add a protein skimmer for my coral but I read from articles in the internet that a protein skimmer may also skim away good nutrient that are required.

So what are your recommendations? Should I get a skimmer or not?

I do not have much space in my tank, I think I can only get an external skimmer. Will there be any danger of the skimmer overflowing? Are there any mechanism to stop the skimmer from overflowing?

Thank you.

[CooL_anakin]

If you're intending to keep fishes and corals, i would advice you to get a skimmer. I believe many other club members will advice you to get it too. As for skimming away nutrients i guess you don't have to worry about that. It wouldn't be of a problem. Most think its negligible.And lastly, don't worry. There wouldn't be danger of over flowing unless your pump is not over rated...

[ah_d3x]

u have tat slug in ur picture?

[dradttg]

Unfortunately I dont have that slug.

I have the one in the image and another purple one.

[DeepBlue]

pic slightly too big..a beautiful slug you have.....

took the liberty to resize for you so guys cab have a good look...good photography

[SharkBait]

The benefits of skimming outweighs the bad.In fact,most would even encourage over skimming.Get a good one,it can be said to be the most important piece of equipment you will get.Most skimmers have a water level adjustment mechanism,so overflowing should hardly be a problem.

[ReeF_LoVeR]

i would say like other reefers do:"Skimmer is a must for marine"

[Hammerhead]

Yes I agree. Without a skimmer you will encounter problems like excess algae growth due to excess nutrients in the water.

[ReeF_LoVeR]

try to invest on a good skimmer and you will enjoy the rest of the years....

[Golden Tooth]

Go with skimmer.

[Nickel]

I have a IOS compartment in my 4' tank with overflow into wool filters. Water in the tank driven around via a powerhead at rate 2500 l/hr. Do I still need skimmer ?

[Achilles Tang]

Skimmer is IMO an extremely important component of a stable marine tank and has a lot of benefits.

[dodo]

i wonder which marine shop advises u to go skim-less

[SharkBait]

Get a good skimmer and you can save on kopi-O money every day.

[Razo]

go for it

[Clownfish]

Get a Weipro 2011 if u looking for a budget 1....

If u wan to pass on a skimmer, u must hav a very very good refugium.....

so it's either skimmer or refuguim...

U live where? In the West?

Go to ML look for Henry n he will give u pro views on wat pump to go with it... price there is good as well.... ( if he's free can even ask him for more other advices too)

[pospeh]

Seems like Weipro is the skimmer of choice for the budget-minded. And lots of stores are carrying it now, compared to 6 months ago, when it wasn't even on the market.

But it is a very good skimmer for its cost.

[dradttg]

Thanks guys!

I will go for a skimmer.

The problem I have is space constraint in my 2 ft tank. Think I will go for Prism.

[Nickel]

Hi, beleive weipro 2011 cost around $60+ without pump.

Has seen a "arco' brand of skimmer in RA**B** coting about $20+. About 1 ft in height and air pump driven.

Any bros can comment on the "arco' brand ? Not sure of the specifications though.