Is a protein skimmer neccesary

[Sirsmiley9]

I dont have much of a budget and I have a nuvo 40 gallon which limits the kind of skimmer i can have and i dont want to spend $200 id prefer to spend 100 at most and i do plan on changing the water once a week

 

[Darryl]

It is a Good idea to run one
and with a 40 id say TUNZE 9004DC

 

[Sirsmiley9]

That seems like a bit more than im willing to spend would it be ok if i got it later on

 

[CastAway]

IMO, one only has to see what comes out of one to know you need it. It is typically the primary nutrient export mechanism.

 

[chris k.]

I dont think they are necessary. You can get one later if needed. Especially if you will be doing weekly water changes.

 

[moseley75]

You might want to take a look at the Hydor Slim Skim.

 

[cgdcinc]

I dont have much of a budget and I have a nuvo 40 gallon which limits the kind of skimmer i can have and i dont want to spend $200 id prefer to spend 100 at most and i do plan on changing the water once a week

Well check out the coralife 29 protein skimmer. It's 26 bucks and will definitely help with your 40. The wood air stones are cheap enough to replace every 3-4 months and I can tell you it has made a difference in my 29 gallon tank. I have no sump. I clean the cup every 3-4 days and I get good skim. I recommend it if you are on a budget and other skimmers are too expensive. Its an option. [emoji4] Lps and softies are happy.

 

[Grouchy]

I agree. If you're going to be doing weekly water changes I would wait to see how things go for awhile.

 

[Rufus’ goofs]

You might want to take a look at the Hydor Slim Skim.

I have their big boy version. It's pathetic. I should have spent my money on salt.

 

[moseley75]

I have their big boy version. It's pathetic. I should have spent my money on salt.

That's good to know. I had considered using one.

 

[Sirsmiley9]

i asked someone on here about the hydor and he said it was not good at all and does the coralife need a air pump and stone

 

[Rufus’ goofs]

That's good to know. I had considered using one.

It works to a point, but I think water changes do far more.

 

[Darryl]

You can waite a bit But the investment is worth everything in the long run
i recommend the Tunze 9004 DC because I've tried all of them and Tunze works great for that size and simple operations.

 

[jrwoltman]

i asked someone on here about the hydor and he said it was not good at all and does the coralife need a air pump and stone

I have the Coralife and it works great. It comes with a pump and a "wooden" air stone.

 

[Rufus’ goofs]

I have the Coralife and it works great. It comes with a pump and a "wooden" air stone.

What type of skimmer is it? Got a link?
I'd love to check it out.

 

[5altkreep]

I think it depends on what you plan to keep in the tank, and how strict you stick to water changes. I used to have a 28 with just a couple fish and softies. I didnt have a skimmer and everything was fine, as long as i didn't slack on water changes. But if i did, tank would get gross pretty quick.
Also, keeping a good variety of clean up crew helps.

 

[Greaps]

Not to get you off track, but have you considered a Algae Reactor?

 

[Reefbuds]

I would recommend a skimmer for any size saltwater tank. I understand it is a sizable initial investment but in the long run it will prevent a lot of problems. Even with dedicated water changes skimming pulls out a lot of crap.

 

[Sirsmiley9]

I would like to keep a firefish yellowhead jawfish 2 clowns and a yasha goby would that be ok

 

[Reefbuds]

I would like to keep a firefish yellowhead jawfish 2 clowns and a yasha goby would that be ok

That's a decent bioload even without corals or inverts.