Is it time for a protein skimmer?

[smokiums]

Hello, again.

My tank has been running flawless since I started it up a little of three weeks ago. My water is perfect. I've added 40 blue legs and 30 turbo snails about a week ago and everyone seems to still be there. I haven't added any fish yet, going to wait a couple more weeks.

My main question is: is it time to buy a protein skimmer? I have 80lbs of liverock and I'm dosing Kalk. What I've noticed is that sometimes the water in my fuge gets a little "slimmy" looking. I don't know why. Possibly, the water current. Maybe as the water level gets higher, the water movement slows down and the "slimmyness" begins. I don't know. Or, do I need a protein skimmer?

If so, what do you think of the Berlin?

[loganj]

A Berlin should do a good job on your tank. I'm running one on a 180g and, although a little undersized IMO, it's doing a good job. I would probably go with the Berlin Classic and a Mag 7 pump. I have heard there were some longevity issues with the pumps on the Turbos. You might also look at an Aqua C Urchin Pro with a Mag 3 pump. I understand the Euroreef skimmers are pretty good although I can't speak from experience as I have never used one.