Protein skimmer? yes or no

[clowny]

I have a 16 gallon biocube 16. Im planning on getting more coral frags soon as my tank is looking good. I want the water to be more clear. I have chemipure carbon already. Would a protein skimmer help? If so any recommendations? Its a small tank and i dont even know where i would put it. Maybe if i took out the filter cartridge? Let me know what you guys think and also anything else that can improve water quality for viewing pleasure and livestock/coral health. I dont know what it is about a super clean tank that I love, but i want to make sure it looks really clean.

 

[Paulie069]

I have a 16 gallon biocube 16. Im planning on getting more coral frags soon as my tank is looking good. I want the water to be more clear. I have chemipure carbon already. Would a protein skimmer help? If so any recommendations? Its a small tank and i dont even know where i would put it. Maybe if i took out the filter cartridge? Let me know what you guys think and also anything else that can improve water quality for viewing pleasure and livestock/coral health. I dont know what it is about a super clean tank that I love, but i want to make sure it looks really clean.

I would also like to know more about those skimmers

 

[Quietman]

Not required, doubt the really small skimmer efficiencies for the cost and they are rarely attractive in such a small tank. I do really like the 'old school' glass air stone skimmers, and new air pumps are much quieter.

But...you don't need it. Carbon, Filtering (and frequent filter sponge changes), and Water changes on a 16 gallon should do you nicely...forever really.

 

[arturoo1977]

very nice tank! You water seems very clear to me. If you want it more clear, you can add a filter floss after your current mechanical filter.
As for skimmer, I think it will help you if you have more biological load, but adding more corals wont increase it, so I don’t think you need one.

 

[NS Mike D]

+1 on the above 2 posts. There are ways of "polishing" your water, but IMO your corals benefit from the micro stuff in the water column. Let them filter your water, so long as your parameters are otherwise within your target range.


I have H2O2 (hydrogen peroxide) as part of my battle with dinos, and the result is crystal clear water, but while the the looks nice, I can't help but be nervous that I am denying my corals beneficial nutrients

 

[Billdogg]

Not required, doubt the really small skimmer efficiencies for the cost and they are rarely attractive in such a small tank. I do really like the 'old school' glass air stone skimmers, and new air pumps are much quieter.

But...you don't need it. Carbon, Filtering (and frequent filter sponge changes), and Water changes on a 16 gallon should do you nicely...forever really.

^^^This^^^

Water changes and mechanical filtration are more than enough in a tank of that size. I kept a 60g cube for 22 years. No sump, no skimmer. I used a marineland emperor dual biowheel HOB and a canister filter. I used the canister for carbon and extra biological filtration. I'd do a weekly 3-4g water change, and when the corals start using more calcium and alkalinity than that amount of water change can supply, I'd increase the water changes to compensate before I'd worry about dosing.

 

[Timfish]

I wouldn't waste my time with a skimmer. It looks like you've set up your system with "Life Rock"? If so I would add a piece or two of widl or maricultured live rock that has sponges and other stuff on it so essential for a healthy reef ecossytem.

 

[EddieM]

^^^This^^^

Water changes and mechanical filtration are more than enough in a tank of that size. I kept a 60g cube for 22 years. No sump, no skimmer. I used a marineland emperor dual biowheel HOB and a canister filter. I used the canister for carbon and extra biological filtration. I'd do a weekly 3-4g water change, and when the corals start using more calcium and alkalinity than that amount of water change can supply, I'd increase the water changes to compensate before I'd worry about dosing.

Could not agree more!

 

[fl3xlinton]

On a 16 gallon just do a small water change once a week. Occasionally change out the floss or sock whichever you use.

 

[45ZoaGarden]

It isn’t the clarity of the water that matters, it is the cleanliness of the water that matters. What are your water parameters as that matters more for coral health. And I think a skimmer can’t do any harm. I ran a skimmer on my 24 gallon nano cube for years. I like skimmers because I like to use carbon.

 

[fl3xlinton]

really it’s whatever works best for you. I don’t run a skimmer on my 40 and it does just fine. A small water change every 2 weeks does it for me. Just have to find what’s best for you. If you have a heavy bio load. (Like to feed a lot) you should probably look into a skimmer but with what looked like only one fish you’ll be fine

 

[SDK]

Your tank will tell you if you need a skimmer. Depending on what sort of corals you keep, you are going to have target NO3 and PO4 levels.

If your nutrients are higher than target levels, a skimmer is a great way to export them. I’ve done small tanks both ways and definitely prefer a skimmer. My corals seem to do better with the stability and lighter water change schedule a skimmer will provide you.