Should I add a protein skimmer?

[soarer209]

40 Gallon with live rock live sand and lfs water I only plan to keep my two clowns and maybe a pistol shrimp and watchman goby in the future. Currently I’m only running two hob filters. Should I add a protein skimmer? The tidal 75 has a “surface” skimmer but idk how great that’s doing any tips would be appreciated!

 

[Dan_P]

40 Gallon with live rock live sand and lfs water I only plan to keep my two clowns and maybe a pistol shrimp and watchman goby in the future. Currently I’m only running two hob filters. Should I add a protein skimmer? The tidal 75 has a “surface” skimmer but idk how great that’s doing any tips would be appreciated!

Are you planning to keep coral of any kind?

 

[soarer209]

Are you planning to keep coral of any kind?

I do yes once I learn how to keep them! I was just thinking it will help with water quality

 

[EricR]

I run a 40 gallon soft coral tank with no skimmer,,, just a Seachem Tidal 110 for mechanical filtration,,, and powerheads for flow.
My current perspective is that I don't need a skimmer and have more concerns about potential issues with HOB skimmers than worth me pursuing.
*no problem with nutrients but I like the idea of some potential benefits of running a skimmer,,, just not worth the effort and possible equipment issues to me right now
(((just one perspective)))

 

[Dan_P]

I do yes once I learn how to keep them! I was just thinking it will help with water quality

Maybe consider adding a skimmer later when the time to add coral gets close.

 

[soarer209]

Okay thank you!

 

[toi_ss]

40 Gallon with live rock live sand and lfs water I only plan to keep my two clowns and maybe a pistol shrimp and watchman goby in the future. Currently I’m only running two hob filters. Should I add a protein skimmer? The tidal 75 has a “surface” skimmer but idk how great that’s doing any tips would be appreciated!

If you end up adding more fish, or end up keeping sps or other tricky corals I would do it, or a refugium

 

[romperstomper]

Not sure why you need a skimmer with corals ,I have run tanks 10 plus years with LPS ,softies with no skimmer .

 

[AquaLogic]

With a bio load that light you aren't going to need a skimmer, especially if you keep up with routine water changed. Maybe if you pack it with corals down the road. Although, it also won't hurt anything if you'd like to add one.

 

[Devaji]

I agree with the LR and LS that should do it. just make sure there is plenty of flow do your WC on schedule and you *should* be fine. just dont over feed.

but i tell ya once you get going I bet you will want more fish. happens to us all. so be mindful of that. still possible you just have to be in tune with your tank more. skimmers help but not a must.

many way to export N& P in a reef tank.

good luck! and go slow but have fun.

 

[soarer209]

I agree with the LR and LS that should do it. just make sure there is plenty of flow do your WC on schedule and you *should* be fine. just dont over feed.

but i tell ya once you get going I bet you will want more fish. happens to us all. so be mindful of that. still possible you just have to be in tune with your tank more. skimmers help but not a must.

many way to export N& P in a reef tank.

good luck! and go slow but have fun.

Thank you ive decided to hold off on now and focus on what i already have going and perfecting that.. i tend to take on and buy more than i kno..