Do I need this?

OccuredClownFish · Jan 4, 2023

Hey Everyone,

Got my Saltwater up and running! Ended up going with a IM Nuvo Pro 40G V2 with a Red Sea 90 Light, for awhile I'm only going to have a FOWLR 2 Oc Clowns, and 1 Firefish, with a CUC, I might add or or two, other small fish.

Is a Protein skimmer really needed if understocking this much?

I will also have an apex system, as I am away 2 days a week.

Any recommendations or new Saltwater keeper advice is greatly appreciated!

EricR · Jan 4, 2023

I run a 40 gallon with low bio-load also,,, only 4 fish and some soft corals.
Never used a skimmer and struggle more with LOW nutrients than high so I'd say definitely not necessary.

Whether or not it's desirable probably depends on a lot of factors but I'd vote just keep an eye on parameters and decide.

nuxx · Jan 4, 2023

Need some method of taking nutrients out of the tank.

Skimmer is probably the best method and also very hands off.

davidcalgary29 · Jan 4, 2023

If you're only keeping fish, not at all.

If you're keeping fish and softies (and some hardy LPS), not at all.

Quite a few reefers, in fact, believe that the use of protein skimmers -- for anything other than aeration -- leads to nutrient extraction to a degree that is harmful to the overall health of the tank and can (but not will) lead to proliferation of microbial problems (dinos, cyano, etc.).

The case for harm in new tanks is a lot less clear, and I don't think that you're going to cause problems by having one. I'd stay far, far away from IM's skimmers, though, as they're pretty disappointing.