protein skimmer the end all be all?

[afk-47]

I am getting closer and closer to getting my 75-gallon tank up. To this point, I have somewhat overthought about the skimmer though. Not sure if it's going to be needed but it seems like most tanks run them. The system will be a 75 gal with dry rock and sand, using a Theiling compact roller mat and refugium in a DIY 40gal breeder.

Here is my fish list, I hope.
1. Pair of clowns
2. Royal gramma
3. Jawfish
4. Blue tang (would love yellow but prices are crazy)
5. Maybe a handful of chromies or a pair of cardinals
6. Porpupine puffer.
7. clean up crew that the puffer will not eat??
8. Maybe a few soft corals/mushrooms/leathers/anemone. do not plan to go all out with this tank. I am shooting to move out of my apartment sometime next year and build a bigger perm tank.

Will the refug be enough on its own to stripe nutrients out? I do have a cheap grow light that will be upgraded in the next few months. (budget is getting closer and closer to the set limit for right now) Or should I try the refug but map out a spot in the sump for a skimmer in the event of needing it? I would hate to not have a spot for it if I needed it.

 

[Cell]

Every system is different. No skimmer necessary if you are just doing some softies/leathers/shrooms imo and perform regular water changes.

 

[Uncle99]

I think it’s an excellent idea to “prepare” for Skimmer.
It’s not a requirement.
Your loads not overly big, a fuge and a rollermat will likely do the job very well.
Simple light in red spectrum if you can.

 

[Dkmoo]

softies want the water a little dirty. should be fine w/o it, esp if you have roller + fuge.

 

[Jekyl]

While not a requirement skimmers are a very nice addition. Also should look at tomini tangs instead. The 2 you have listed should be in bigger tanks.

 

[afk-47]

While not a requirement skimmers are a very nice addition. Also should look at tomini tangs instead. The 2 you have listed should be in bigger tanks.

My daughter is dying for a Nemo and Dory pair. I thought she was going to lose it when I told her that a starfish would most likely not make it due to the puffer. Do you think that if I were to get a smaller one and let's say in 12-14 months have a bigger tank, I would be safe? The puffer will need a bigger than in about 16-24 months.

 

[Jekyl]

The little one is dying for a Nemo and Dory pair. I thought she was going to lose it when I told her that a starfish would most likely not make it due to the puffer. Do you think that if I were to get a smaller one and let's say in 12-14 months have a bigger tank, I would be safe? The puffer will need a bigger than in about 16-24 months.

Depends on who you ask. Blue definitely not. They should be in a 180g. A yellow maybe, if not much rock work with plans to trade or upgrade within 2 years. Everyone wants Dori. However they get very large and end up unhealthy. They can go from an inch to 5 in a couple years. I'm of the mindset to always make decisions based on the fish rather than my wants.

 

[monkeyCmonkeyDo]

Skimmer yes
D

 

[Jekyl]

Skimmer yes
D

This

 

[afk-47]

Depends on who you ask. Blue definitely not. A yellow maybe, if not much rock work with plans to trade or upgrade within 2 years. Everyone wants Dori. However they get very large and end up unhealthy. They can go from an inch to 5 in a couple years. I'm of the mindset to always make decisions based on the fish rather than my wants.

Totally agree. At the end of the day, it is our job to make sure they live long and healthy. Ill check out other options.

 

[Suohhen]

Here's how I look at it, skimmers offer a number of benefits including aeration and removal of a variety of compounds of which there is no analog. They are certainly not needed but they are a mainstay to me for two reasons, when something goes wrong who wouldn't want one on their side, and they resell typically for a fraction of retail so they really aren't expensive if your patient.

 

[afk-47]

Any suggestions on one?

 

[Uncle99]

16-24, that seems just about right IMM.
You’ll need to double that volume at that time.
Just finished my “Dory” new home.
Was in a 65g for 2 years, went from 1” -5” in that time, definitely needed at least a 150 long, now in a 180g.
If your committed to this goal and will have an extra, say, 5 grand...this will work.

 

[Jekyl]

Any suggestions on one?

I use a reef octo HoB and my 90 and love it. Pricey but never see bad reviews on them.

 

[MaxTremors]

Puffers are very messy eaters and they eat a ton. Personally, I would never go skimmerless on a tank over 40g, and certainly not with a puffer in it.

 

[piranhaman00]

Add more tangs

 

[Pistondog]

Any suggestions on one?

I have 125g total and like reef octopus 150 with dc pump, varios.
Most people run them 24/7, I just started 12/7 to experiment.
I would not not run one, as I don't do scheduled water changes.

 

[PeterC99]

I am getting closer and closer to getting my 75-gallon tank up. To this point, I have somewhat overthought about the skimmer though. Not sure if it's going to be needed but it seems like most tanks run them. The system will be a 75 gal with dry rock and sand, using a Theiling compact roller mat and refugium in a DIY 40gal breeder.

Here is my fish list, I hope.
1. Pair of clowns
2. Royal gramma
3. Jawfish
4. Blue tang (would love yellow but prices are crazy)
5. Maybe a handful of chromies or a pair of cardinals
6. Porpupine puffer.
7. clean up crew that the puffer will not eat??
8. Maybe a few soft corals/mushrooms/leathers/anemone. do not plan to go all out with this tank. I am shooting to move out of my apartment sometime next year and build a bigger perm tank.

Will the refug be enough on its own to stripe nutrients out? I do have a cheap grow light that will be upgraded in the next few months. (budget is getting closer and closer to the set limit for right now) Or should I try the refug but map out a spot in the sump for a skimmer in the event of needing it? I would hate to not have a spot for it if I needed it.

You want to set yourself up for best long-term success. All the best coral seller setups in my area have 3 things in common:

1) Refugium with chaeto
2) Good protein skimmers
3) Oversized UV light

 

[Pistondog]

Also, read up on 5hese forums about dry vs live rock startups.

 

[afk-47]

Also, read up on 5hese forums about dry vs live rock startups.

The first clowns are going to be coming from lfs so they will be in a qt tank for a month. That should give me plenty of time to get the DT set up for them. Ill be going with Dr.Tims once and only for the DT and QT. Just been looking for a decent/cheap 20-30gal set up on FB/craigslist.