Protein skimmer What purpose does it serve?

[aquinn425]

55g tank.. Should we get one?? What purpose does it serve?

 

[cmbtengnr43]

Its removes dissolved organic watse from the water before it breaks down threw nitrate cycle so it reduce time between water changes they are good to have but really only a necessity in salt water tanks

 

[aquinn425]

Ok. Thanks! I do have saltwater

 

[cmbtengnr43]

Then u def should have a protein skimmer

 

[cmbtengnr43]

They remove nitrates from the water

 

[Mrc8858]

Skimmers aren't a necessity but always a good thing to have. When going reef it will help you keep the prestine conditions needed by as stated above remover organics before they even have a chance to break down. You could combat that problem by doing more water changes which is what many people do with smaller reef tanks but once you start to get over 40-50 gallons then you need to take into consideration that it costs money just to make the new water.

 

[Phranque]

They remove nitrates from the water

They don't remove nitrates..... they remove organics before they turn into nitrates. This is why a canister is a bad idea for a reef..... canisters trap the organics and keep them in the water column, allowing them to be converted into nitrates, whereas a skimmer removes them from the system entirely.