run a tank without protein skimmer?

[klavmaister]

extra equipment makes extra noise and...Started with a Red sea rollermate from day one, now I only have two ocelaris clown fish and a tiny scopas tang (yes I know but he will be returned when he is to big) planning a dimond watchman gobby and maybe a little shrimp, nothing more fish than that. should only have Soft corals and some lps (micromussa) i have now some corals, the skimmer has never been run, and the water values are quite good....I'm sitting thinking about whether that skimmer is totally overkill, if I had run with it now, the water values gone to zero (I think) and crashed the whole tank..... are proteinskimmer overkill for a low stocket tank and soft/lps?

 

[Budman93]

What size tank? If a smaller tank it likely is to be honest.

 

[mjw011689]

I’ve run plenty of soft and lps coral tanks with no skimmer. It is by no means a requirement. They do a good job, but if you’re maintaining water changes and all your parameters are staying fine, then there’s really no benefit at that point.

 

[klavmaister]

What size tank? If a smaller tank it likely is to be honest.

250l or sround 60gal total

 

[klavmaister]

I’ve run plenty of soft and lps coral tanks with no skimmer. It is by no means a requirement. They do a good job, but if you’re maintaining water changes and all your parameters are staying fine, then there’s really no benefit at that point.

Am considering down the line, to do very few water changes, rather dosing everything that is consumed.

 

[klavmaister]

My gear....

 

[Budman93]

You seem very much on top of things so yes you do not need a protein skimmer in a 60g. Just monitor your levels occasionally. If you arent overfeeding and dont have a huge bioload keeping nutrients in check is pretty easy with just water changes and basic filtration. A lot of time people go way overboard in nutrient export and that can have a devestating effect on your aquarium. (Dinoflagellate outbreaks for one).

 

[flashsmith]

No you don't "need" one but why wouldn't you use a tool that is available to make the job easier? If you need some proof I'm sure there's plenty of folks here happy to snap a shot of their skimmer cups. Your roller isn't going to get it all. Over time you'll notice a lot of buildup in your sump that will show you how much your roller is missing.

 

[klavmaister]

No you don't "need" one but why wouldn't you use a tool that is available to make the job easier? If you need some proof I'm sure there's plenty of folks here happy to snap a shot of their skimmer cups. Your roller isn't going to get it all. Over time you'll notice a lot of buildup in your sump that will show you how much your roller is missing.

the aquarium is 100% quiet, and the protein skimmer makes a little noise, not much but a little. so thought the less equipment the better...... let it run for 3 days, gave absolutely 0 in the cup

 

[flashsmith]

That will change once your tank matures. When you say didn't get nothing in the cup do you mean empty? If so it's not adjusted right.

 

[klavmaister]

the aquarium was so silent, I hear this skimmer makes a bit of noise (even though it's dc) I guess I'll have to find a better skimmer then I was hoping for a smaller machine = less noise = less maintenance etc

men jeg skjønner at skummer er bra, fjerner vell noe eller bedre enn andre ting (nitrate? Amonia)

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[bakbay]

I have a Red Sea 250 (55g) with no skimmer, no water change, and no problem! The tank is a mixed tank but still very young frags. I'm experimenting with chaeto in the sump for nutrient exports. You might try going that route if you're concerned about noise. btw, just send that Deltec to me, I'll pay for shipping - problem solved! My other tank could use a skimmer for oxygenation!

 

[IPT]

I think plenty of people run tanks without skimmers. I've even seen some SPS guys who said they've turned their skimmers off. I think with those fish, and softies and LPS you can probably get away without a skimmer. If I were you I would try not running it. If down the road you have nutrient issues you can always add it on. Less is more

 

[Tamberav]

extra equipment makes extra noise and...Started with a Red sea rollermate from day one, now I only have two ocelaris clown fish and a tiny scopas tang (yes I know but he will be returned when he is to big) planning a dimond watchman gobby and maybe a little shrimp, nothing more fish than that. should only have Soft corals and some lps (micromussa) i have now some corals, the skimmer has never been run, and the water values are quite good....I'm sitting thinking about whether that skimmer is totally overkill, if I had run with it now, the water values gone to zero (I think) and crashed the whole tank..... are proteinskimmer overkill for a low stocket tank and soft/lps?

all equipment is optional except for flow and lights (and most need a heater)