Good hob protein skimmer for 20 gal nano reef

[xwesx1978]

after twenty years of keeping fresh water tanks im looking to finally take the saltwater plunge and build a nano reef , after doing a little research im kinda confused on if you need a protein skimmer or not. seems like some people run them and some do not. I was kind of looking at this one , any thoughts http://www.petco.com/product/120383....aspx?CoreCat=MM_FishSupplies_ProteinSkimmers


http://www.petco.com/N_24_429495667....aspx?CoreCat=MM_FishSupplies_ProteinSkimmers

 

[Convict2161]

20 gallons you don't "need" a skimmer IF your religious with your water changes. I don't have one on my Bio Cube 29 gallon and I know a lot of members that run a BC14,BC29,10 gallon and 20 gallon without a skimmer and there tanks are doing just fine.

 

[xwesx1978]

ok cool , I just started looking into this , looks like its gonna be really fun , I cant wait to get started

 

[Convict2161]

ok cool , I just started looking into this , looks like its gonna be really fun , I cant wait to get started

It is ALOT of fun and exciting to watch corals grow. I'd skip the skimmer and concentrate on lighting if it were me.

 

[xwesx1978]

Gonna get the odysea 24 inch HO T5

 

[Convict2161]

Gonna get the odysea 24 inch HO T5

That's the 4 or 6 bulb?

 

[xwesx1978]

its a 4 I believe

 

[xwesx1978]

Gonna get this one actually

Odyssea Metal Halide System

 

[Convict2161]

its a 4 I believe

That will be fine. 6 would be killer but the 4 is good. ATI has great bulbs just an FYI.

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/lighting/t5-florescent/bulbs.html

 

[Convict2161]

Gonna get this one actually

Odyssea Metal Halide System

I actually like that like. The metal halide is nice and will support a lot of corals and you'll get a awesome shimmer. They do have a upgrade MH bulb. I'll search for it and post the link.

 

[xwesx1978]

aquaclear filters good for salt water ?

 

[Convict2161]

aquaclear filters good for salt water ?

Yes they work great. Really any filter but I happen to like the AC's.