To skim or not to skim?

[DeepSeaReefer7]

Just started a IM fusion 20 gallon
Came with a tunze 9002 but doesn't fit in the back chamber so it has to sit in the show tank it's kinda bulky
Me being a cheap ******* I don't want to buy another nano skimmer
The tank will consist of
2 small clowns
1 Yamaha goby and pistol shrimp
Assorted corals lps and softies

Question is would no weekly 5 gallon changes be as affective as a small skimmer

Thanks in advance

Happy reefing

 

[Mark426]

Yes

 

[DeepSeaReefer7]

Sorry ment bi-weekly not no weekly ha

 

[vic67]

I think weekly 10% WCs would be better than 5G biweekly. The 25% might shock your system IMO.

 

[DeepSeaReefer7]

I think weekly 10% WCs would be better than 5G biweekly. The 25% might shock your system IMO.

Thanks for the feed back so
The tank held about 15 gallons
10% is 1.5 gallons a week might as round up and do 2 gallons ha
I'm not the best at keeping in schedule that's why I said bi-weekly

 

[spectra]

I think you will be good. I am in the same boat as I do not like what I hear about the ghost skimmer and do not want to see a skimmer hanging out of the back of the tank.....I think with a small bio load WC is all you need.

 

[Midrats]

Utilize chemical media and be consistent with your water changes.

 

[Tahoe61]

If keep you the bio-load small, appropriate feedings you can get away with 10% wc every two weeks just fine.

 

[DeepSeaReefer7]

I'm done adding fish I have 2 small clowns a tiny geometric hawkfish and a small orchard dottyback
1 yellow coral banded and 1 cleaner shrimp
Currently doing 4 gallon water changes a week

 

[reefwiser]

Man I would get a skimmer. I have a 14 gallon bio cube QT tank I don't have a skimmer on it and still doing weekly water changes and watching feeding I still get more algae growth than I want.
I am going to make one out of a tall water bottle an a wood air stone.

 

[DeepSeaReefer7]

Currently I have no algae bloom ups to report besides minor Brown algae on the glass
Cheato in one of the back chamber
Chemi pure blue in one side and purigen on the other side
With nitrate removing filter floss
Reduced my lights to 40% white 80% blue max for 4 hours
Then ramps down
I also feed every other day or every 3 days

 

[Gooburz]

Make sure you have a beefed up CUC, I'd order one from Reefcleaners.org.

 

[DeepSeaReefer7]

Make sure you have a beefed up CUC, I'd order one from Reefcleaners.org.

I have a bunch of mixed snails I got a bunch of hermits from my lfs and most died so I'm heading to a better lfs to pick up more

 

[maroun.c]

Many prefer water changes to skimming in smaller tanks due to mini skimmers being a bit less efficient due to decreased contact time in smaller skimmers.