I've noticed many of us use protein skimmers in our reef tanks. They act like high-tech vacuum cleaners, capturing potential troublemakers, such as organic compounds, before they can disrupt the delicate nitrogen balance in our tanks. But I've found that filter floss, working like a simple sponge, can perform a similar task. It's crucial to keep in mind that some larger or heavily stocked tanks might still benefit from protein skimmers.
When it comes to cost, filter floss is the clear winner in my book. It's cheaper than protein skimmers, both upfront and over time. This can leave me with some extra cash to spend on better lighting, a more diverse range of marine life, or high-quality live rock. Of course, the long-term costs, such as the need to replace and clean filter floss more often than a protein skimmer, are something to consider.
A major advantage of filter floss, in my experience, is that it can facilitate the growth of beneficial biofilms. These are minuscule layers of bacteria, algae, and fragments of dead plants and animals. In effect, these biofilms serve as a buffet for the good bacteria and algae in my tank, helping to nourish other organisms. It's important to remember, though, that if the filter floss isn't replaced regularly, like, every third day, it could become clogged and might even contribute to higher nutrient levels in the tank.
These friendly bacteria clean the water by transforming harmful ammonia into nitrite and then into less harmful nitrate. However, for tanks like those we see that have a high bio-load, filter floss alone might not be sufficient, and additional filtration methods might be necessary.
Furthermore, unlike some protein skimmers, filter floss doesn't generate those tiny bubbles. These microbubbles might seem inconsequential, but they can be as bothersome as a dust storm for the inhabitants of my tank. It's worth mentioning that not all skimmers create these bubbles, and those that do can often be adjusted to minimize this issue. I haven't seen gas bubble trauma show up on r2r yet so I'll assume it's either rare or people don't know what it is.
By using only filter floss, I believe I'm taking a step towards a more natural environment in my tank. Consider this: in the ocean, there are no protein skimmers, but there are lots of natural filtration methods like bacteria, algae, and sponges. Filter floss helps my tank mimic these natural filtration techniques, leading to a healthier and happier environment for my tank's residents. That being said,
for tanks that house many fish or corals or species that demand particularly clean water, filter floss alone might not be enough.
I have a 15, a 29 and a 40 and none get skimmed and they all run off exclusively filter floss.
