uv sterilizer or protein skimmer?

[meinporsche]

i have a 125 gallon tank that i am going to start in a week or so...should i get a protein skimmer or a uv sterilizer? or both?

 

[ccCapt]

They do totally different things. A protein skimmer removes dissolved organic compounds from the water and a uv kills anything living that passes thru it. Personally, I never ran a uv and I never ran a reef without a skimmer.

 

[redneckgearhead]

IMO got to have the skimmer

 

[melosu58]

I have had both. I had a skimmer for ten yrs but when it broke I didnt see the need for one any more. They only take care of algea spores and parasites that go through the lighted chamber. If it was me I would say make sure of the skimmer.

 

[Krypt]

I have had both. I had a skimmer for ten yrs but when it broke I didnt see the need for one any more. They only take care of algea spores and parasites that go through the lighted chamber. If it was me I would say make sure of the skimmer.

I think you mean your UV light broke and didn't see the need for one anymore lol.