protein skimmers on freshwater?

[ttopmustanggt88]

just as title says does any use one on a freshwater tank. is it worth it. i really like to overkill filtering and what not and my cousin had one from saltwater tank he had and put it on his freshwater and said its a must have. if you do what pros and cons. and what skimmer would you recomend. only a 55 gallon here so i dont need anything huge. thanks josh

 

[czcz]

my cousin had one from saltwater tank he had and put it on his freshwater and said its a must have.

Just curious, did he say why? I believe the only benefit in FW is no surface film. There are much cheaper solutions: http://aquariumadvice.com/viewtopic.php?t=41624&highlight=

 

[ttopmustanggt88]

he said his water was pretty clear and after 2 days of having it running it was crystal clear and the trap on the skimmer had alot of red water in it????

 

[czcz]

8O

Way past my limited level of understanding. Does he have red substrate?

 

[SerLunchbox]

How can that be? I picked up a protein skimmer for $10 today ... regular price of $200

 

[ttopmustanggt88]

no has natural colored gravel. after 2 days it turned to a faint pink then finally went away. now its just greasy looking water.

 

[foma2000]

serlunchalot you are so into that new protein skimmer. although it is a very nice steal. but to the fresh water skimmer. it might help some, but its defenatly not as usful as it would be on a sw. by the way. skimmers arn't neary as effecient on fw. i wouldn't say its a must but if you have the money to spend

 

[KaiserFish]

Lunch... you picked up a $200 protein skimmer where for $10?