Is a protein skimmer necessary?

[RYANLAWRENCE]

Ok hi im new to the saltwater hobby and have been curing my tank with everything for about a week and a half. The only thing that i do not have is a protein skimmer because i simply used up all the money that i could afford on everything else. Is a protein skimmer neccessary for a FOLR tank? And if i do need one could i buy one later when i can afford one? and also what is a good brand? i have a 40 gallon tank and i heard aqua c makes a good one called remora. Anyone have any experience with one of these?

 

[thincat]

Welcome, 40 gallons is on the fence as far as a PS for a fish only tank. You can get the same results with a weekly PWC. You can also get one later and I have no exp. with the Ramora, but I don't hear to many bad things about it.

 

[RYANLAWRENCE]

alright thank you sounds good. If in the future i wanted to add some anemones or soft corals, i would need a protein skimmer right?

 

[melosu58]

Protien skimmers remove dissolved organic compounds that cause excessive nutrients in the tank which fuel nuisance algeas. IMO you should get one unless you plan on doing frequent PWC`s and I mean religiously.

 

[CEverii]

alright thank you sounds good. If in the future i wanted to add some anemones or soft corals, i would need a protein skimmer right?

Any reef tank (with the execption of nano's i believe) you have to have a skimmer. Trust me, get a skimmer even with your FOWLER. You'll hate all the water changes

 

[mr_X]

IME, aqua-c's remora skimmer is of very poor quality. go with an octopus HOB skimmer.
that said, skimmers are not necessary. you can keep a reef without a skimmer with proper husbandry.

 

[Salty-Fish]

IME, aqua-c's remora skimmer is of very poor quality. go with an octopus HOB skimmer.
that said, skimmers are not necessary. you can keep a reef without a skimmer with proper husbandry.

I have an Octopus BH-300F for my 125g. This is the first skimmer I have owned. This things pulls a ton of stuff out of my water. It produces a ton of bubbles also. I would recommend this skimmer to anyone.

 

[RYANLAWRENCE]

Do you know how much one costs for a 40 gallon aquarium by any chance?

 

[thominil]

Here is a link to all of the Reef Octopus HOB models.

Hang on Back HOB Reef Octopus Protein Skimmers

I would think that you should be fine with the BH100 which is about $120.

 

[RYANLAWRENCE]

Ok thanks sounds good will definitely check into this when i build up some more cash