Protien skimmer need for 30g cube reef?

[Fishman007]

I want to know if a protien skimmer is need for a 30g reef tank. I was planning on getting some low light, hardy corals,


Thanks!

 

[Bectan01]

Not needed, no. Beneficial? Yes

 

[Fishman007]

Not needed, no. Beneficial? Yes

So what do they do? And how would it help?

 

[Breakthecycle2]

I have an Innovative Marine midsize nano skimmer and a Hydor Slim Skim I am selling for "cheap". Only used for a month.

 

[mr_X]

Protein skimmers clean the water.

 

[Fishman007]

Protein skimmers clean the water.

Oh ok so there like a 2nd filter?

 

[Bectan01]

Sort of, your first filter being live rock

 

[MarinaClown]

When I put a protein skimmer in my old tank (30 gallon cube) it stabilized my pH. My pH used to be 7.8-8 at the highest. After adding a skimmer it stayed at 8.2. I am sure it had to do more with water quality in general than only pH. Lol.
Like someone said before me it's not necessary but beneficial. If you gonna get one get a good one.

 

[mr_X]

It mixes air and water together. So, it does aerate the water as well as remove nutrients. This may effect ph.

 

[Fishman007]

I found a great deal on craigslist for a CPR pakbak protein skimmer

 

[Fishman007]

Are they any good? Anyone had any experience with them?

 

[MarinaClown]

I found a great deal on craigslist for a CPR pakbak protein skimmer

How much? You can get a nice reef octopus HOB skimmer for $139 and up. I have one and its well worth it.

 

[Fishman007]

How much? You can get a nice reef octopus HOB skimmer for $139 and up. I have one and its well worth it.

There 200$ new but this one is 50$

 

[carey]

$50 is a great deal and it comes with decent reviews. I havent used one yet but have always been open to getting one if the price was right. lol

 

[Fishman007]

$50 is a great deal and it comes with decent reviews. I havent used one yet but have always been open to getting one if the price was right. lol

Yeah its coming with the 37g, a canister filter, 20 pounds of live rock and 30 pounds of live sand, and a uv sterilizer for 290$ but its a 4 hr drive!!! Gotta love craigslist!

 

[Fishman007]

Oh yeah sorry i changed from the cube to a 37g that i will be getting tommarow

 

[Fishman007]

Here is the new tank!



Sorry for the cloudyness just set it up

 

[MarinaClown]

Here is the new tank!

Sorry for the cloudyness just set it up

Very cool! Congrats!