Protein Skimmers…necessary??

[Aubz]

Hello all,

I am trying to determine if I need a protein skimmer for my 20 gallon long (FOWLR).

(I have 4 fish: 2 clowns, dwarf angel and an orchid dottyback)

Everything I’m finding looks VERY expensive (and complicated), but a few labeled “surface” protein skimmers are more affordable…what is the difference/do I need one at all?

I would love advice and guidance!

thank you

 

[bushdoc]

There’s few good skimmers made for 20 gal tanks and they are not performing that well.
I would run 20 gal FOWLR without skimmer. Fish can tolerate higher level of nitrates, the only problem could be phosphates, but you could run RowPhos in HOB filter.

 

[Aubz]

There’s few good skimmers made for 20 gal tanks and they are not performing that well.
I would run 20 gal FOWLR without skimmer. Fish can tolerate higher level of nitrates, the only problem could be phosphates, but you could run RowPhos in HOB filter.

Thanks!

 

[Gtinnel]

Most of the time when I hear surface skimmer it is talking about a filter that pulls water from the the waters surface and isn’t a protein skimmer (in the traditional sense). You may be referring to something I’m not aware of though.

With it being a 20g tank I would probably go without a skimmer and then just add one of you feel like it’s needed for nutrient control or aeration. IMO as tanks get smaller the need to run a protein skimmer gets reduced. I have a 125g and 100g tank that I wouldn’t even consider not running a skimmer, but I also just setup a 15g that I likely won’t run a skimmer on. If nutrients become an issue they’re easy to fix with water changes on a small tank.

 

[Spare time]

Protein skimmers aren't necessary. There are some hob ones you can find on amazon for not too much if you want one. It really just depends on if its accomplishing what you want it to do

 

[ReefingDreams]

No need for your use case. Water changes are your friend.

 

[TangerineSpeedo]

Necessary? NO. Water changes can take care of that. Is it an advantage? Yes. A protein skimmer will go a long way in removing waste and help with aeration of your tank.

 

[jphilip813]

My 2 cents...I would say IF you have the space, go with a hang-on Back; as mentioned, Amazon has reasonably priced some. I also have a 20gal (reef), and for me, I decided to go with a 50gal Hang on back because I get lazy on water changes...and tend to skip them when I am a little too busy...So I say, look at your daily schedule and plan to see if you will keep up with your water changes or not...Just my 2 cents...

 

[littlebigreef]

Take a look and see if you can pick up a CPR Bak-Pak second hand. They’re solid units and still pretty regularly available.