Thoughts on protein skimmers for small tanks

[becky46]

Hey all, what are your opinions on a protein skimmer for a small tank? I'm thinking in the 15-30G range.

 

[Nick Steele]

I only believe it’s required if you can manage nutrients correctly with water changes.

My AIO nuvo20 has 2 clownfish and a tailspot blenny with heavy feedings and I have to dose to get readable phos or nitrates.

 

[atomos]

I've been a fan of protein skimmers as long as I can remember. For our 20G IM Nuvo, we run the IM Protein skimmer.

 

[jfoahs04]

Depends. It’s a no from me on my EVO 13.5. I do weekly 15-20% water changes and keep LPS and softies. If I was going to take a serious crack at SPS, I’d get one. It’s possible to grow SPS in a nano without a skimmer, but you’d be stacking the deck against yourself. Just to small a margin of error with sensitive coral and not all that much water volume in the system.

 

[SchrutesReefs]

I second having a skimmer. I have always had one regardless of tank size, just my preference, no other reason. I currently have the Eshopps nano in my Nuvo 20.

 

[kpoj9]

I’m not a fan of using skimmers on nano tanks. Most are terrible at skimming. IMO they are a waste of money. I’m currently dosing No3/Po4 to keep my nutrients up.

 

[JohnnyBlowfish]

I’m not a fan of using skimmers on nano tanks. Most are terrible at skimming. IMO they are a waste of money. I’m currently dosing No3/Po4 to keep my nutrients up.

^^^^ I agree^^^^. In my experience, I find that nano skimmers aren't all that effective. Although to be fair, I haven't used any of the nano skimmers produced in the last 8 years or so.

 

[a.t.t.r]

I really like the tunze 9001 with a tiny modification to the magnet mount (glue that to the side instead)

 

[Paulo Hanashiro]

Don't forget the skimmer can also assist with gas exchange. I use one with a CO2 scrubber in my 15G as it was the only solution I had to keep ph above 8.

 

[blaxsun]

I've heard good things about the Tunze skimmers, but stay away (run don't walk!) from any Innovative Marine protein skimmers. The collection cup has probably the worst design imaginable (leaks around, over and through the top) and the pumps will (no exaggeration here) break and stop working every 2-3 months. The fact that IM is constantly out of these pumps for warranty speaks volumes...

 

[wayneo]

Hey guys