Skimmer alternatives?

[Doglips56]

Hello all! I’m upgrading my tank from a 40B to a 110. We currently have only three fish, 3 shrimp and a bunch of hermit crabs and snails. We’ve been running a small, probably nano sized skimmer in the sump that actually does a fairly good job but is not up to the task in the upgrade. I’m just wondering if we need a skimmer at all? I have some mangroves planted which have really helped with the nutrients but just dosed flux rx for GHA and not certain the mangroves will survive that. I’m also wondering if a skimmer is even necessary or if there is some other alternate way to remove waste?
Comments? Suggestions?

 

[DJF]

Filter socks will remove some; I’ve heard of a diatom filter (pool filter) working to remove most of the need of a skimmer. The skimmer also helps to inject air into the water so I personally wouldn’t advise it

 

[Uncle99]

Hello all! I’m upgrading my tank from a 40B to a 110. We currently have only three fish, 3 shrimp and a bunch of hermit crabs and snails. We’ve been running a small, probably nano sized skimmer in the sump that actually does a fairly good job but is not up to the task in the upgrade. I’m just wondering if we need a skimmer at all? I have some mangroves planted which have really helped with the nutrients but just dosed flux rx for GHA and not certain the mangroves will survive that. I’m also wondering if a skimmer is even necessary or if there is some other alternate way to remove waste?
Comments? Suggestions?

Macro Algae

 

[BanjoBandito]

Skimmers do more than just remove waste, they can help your PH and gas exchange. While you can find some work arounds and find other ways to remove waste (water changes, refugium, scrubbers, filter socks, etc.) I would probably think about getting a good skimmer for a tank that size.

 

[ReefGeezer]

It really depends on the tank. Where the fish load and food input is low and there are lots of corals and such that use nutrients, a skimmer may be unnecessary... even unhealthy. Where the fish load and food input creates more nutrients than the corals and such can manage, a skimmer is a great way to go.

 

[ZombieEngineer]

There are alternatives to remove waste, but the skimmers value in gas exchange/aeration is hard to supplement with anything else.

The alternatives are also a lot less effective since they almost all treat the nutrient problem after the organic waste breaks down. Skimmers remove it before it ever becomes nutrients.

At bare minimum throw that nano skimmer in for air exchange until you can get one more ideally sized for the new tank. It will work in the interrum until you up your bioload.

 

[Doglips56]

I can buy a larger skimmer, was just wondering and you’ve all answered my question! Thanks so much!!!

 

[vetteguy53081]

Hello all! I’m upgrading my tank from a 40B to a 110. We currently have only three fish, 3 shrimp and a bunch of hermit crabs and snails. We’ve been running a small, probably nano sized skimmer in the sump that actually does a fairly good job but is not up to the task in the upgrade. I’m just wondering if we need a skimmer at all? I have some mangroves planted which have really helped with the nutrients but just dosed flux rx for GHA and not certain the mangroves will survive that. I’m also wondering if a skimmer is even necessary or if there is some other alternate way to remove waste?
Comments? Suggestions?

Skimmers offer water quality advantages removing unwanted organics increasing oxygen adn maintaing ph. Algae scrubbers are a good option.
Mangroves remove mainly nitrates

 

[DavidinGA]

You don't need a skimmer at all.

I haven't run a skimmer since the early 2000's. I run a diy ATS.

Depending on the size of equipment, an ATS can also provide more O2 than a skimmer.

 

[Doglips56]

You don't need a skimmer at all.

I haven't run a skimmer since the early 2000's. I run a diy ATS.

Depending on the size of equipment, an ATS can also provide more O2 than a skimmer.

Sorry for my ignorance but what is ATS?

 

[DavidinGA]

Sorry for my ignorance but what is ATS?

algae turf scrubber

 

[Doglips56]

algae turf scrubber

Lol guess I should’ve known that! I’m going over to the DIY forum to figure out how to build one of those!

 

[Lonely reefer's]

Each tank is different,but can be done without a skimmer, It take time. Most of my corals area a skimmer.
I dose kalwasser to boost ph 2 ts per gallon
My ph ~ 7.9 when light off ~ 8.2 when light on

Here how I managed my Red Sea reefer 170 bioload.
This’’s what work for me