Can you run with our a protien skimmer?

[Leggmantn2015]

Hey my question is can you run with our a protien skimmer and just use a massive refugium to export nitrate and photphate? How important are they really?

And yes I know skimmers remove dissolved organics before they break down in to nitrate and phosphate.

I'm just wondering if there are absolutely needed.

I'm looking into building a nano reefer and the sump is quite small and I definitely want a refugium I really like how well they export Nitrate and phosphate. My current tank is constantly maintaining 0 nitrate and 0 phosphate with the refugium.

I'd love some extensive opinions and long explanations from some experienced reefers on this subject!!!

 

[HiddenUser]

I don't see why you couldn't run without a skimmer. If I recall correctly there are actually a number of people who opt against skimming 24/7.

Many smaller reefs work just fine without a skimmer. You just need to find other methods of nutrient export, ie water changes.

 

[NanoDJS]

Correct , you do not need to run a skimmer if..... you have a natural fuge at least half the size of the display with mud and macro for export / absorption , or a couple of other mechanical methods are avail , but i recommend a fuge

 

[Mark75]

My wife's 13.5gal Fluval Evo does not have a skimmer or refuge and it grows Zoas, Acans, and other LPS better than my SPS tank.

I think the key to running skimmerless is committing regular water changes and lighter stocking. We do a 20% water change weekly on her 13.5gal tank. [emoji16]

 

[Reefrookie220]

A bunch of folks have unplugged the skimmer permanently, opting for an algae turf scrubber

 

[CastAway]

Skimmerless seems increasingly popular with heavy SPS loads, as a benefit to heterotrophic feeding I think. But, seeing what my skimmer pulls from my system, I'm convinced it's my number one nutrient export/prevention mechanism. I have been thinking of skimming intermittently though, to try and increase measurable inorganic nitrate and phosphate, and, have been regularly stiring my very shallow sand bed to alternatively increase heterotrophic SPS feeding.

 

[Chrisfish]

When I had my 8 gal. Nano reef I did not run a skimmer, but I made a small refugium out of my HOB filter. I did water changes every week. No problems at all I had soft corals and 3 fish. But the saltwater bug bit and I now have a 30 gal. Tank with a skimmer, heavy bio load.