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Protein skimmers are a way of reducing the waste in your saltwater aquarium and keeping the levels of nitrates and phosphates low. It is a container of bubbles, water, and air that is attached to your main tank. The water in the main tank will flow through to the protein skimmer and the device will help clean the water. The waste in your tank is attracted to the foam because of an electrical charge, and therefore it will gather in the foam for you to simply take out of the protein skimmer. The bacteria and waste form on the bubble, not in your tank.
A protein skimmer is not absolutely necessary when having a saltwater aquarium. Some hobbyists maintain a healthy and clean tank without one, but you may run into difficulties and have more work to do in order to keep your tank clean if you don’t have a protein skimmer.
Without a protein skimmer, you might find an oily film on the water at the top of your tank. This is waste that has gathered and needs to be dealt with.
This waste that gathers in your saltwater aquarium is not only unappealing to look at, but can be harmful to your marine life. The protein and organic waste that is gathering will break down and release nitrates. Having high nitrate levels in your tank means that your fish and coral are more likely to be ill.
For me, it provides low(er) maintenance, lower nitrates, clarity and lower toxins
A protein skimmer is not absolutely necessary when having a saltwater aquarium. Some hobbyists maintain a healthy and clean tank without one, but you may run into difficulties and have more work to do in order to keep your tank clean if you don’t have a protein skimmer.
Without a protein skimmer, you might find an oily film on the water at the top of your tank. This is waste that has gathered and needs to be dealt with.
This waste that gathers in your saltwater aquarium is not only unappealing to look at, but can be harmful to your marine life. The protein and organic waste that is gathering will break down and release nitrates. Having high nitrate levels in your tank means that your fish and coral are more likely to be ill.
For me, it provides low(er) maintenance, lower nitrates, clarity and lower toxins
Looks like the pros answered your questions!
