75 gallon ?

[Hinds04]

Can I run my 75 as a FOWLR for a while without a protein skimmer? If so how long? I will have a small clown, a royal gramma, blue/green chromis, and a small goby in the tank. I will also have a 30 gallon sump. The tank will be going reef in the near future.

 

[Deep Seven]

Can I run my 75 as a FOWLR for a while without a protein skimmer? If so how long? I will have a small clown, a royal gramma, blue/green chromis, and a small goby in the tank. I will also have a 30 gallon sump. The tank will be going reef in the near future.

Quick answer: forever. As long as you monitor your water quality and do water changes as necessary a skimmer is not required.

A skimmer will remove organic material, which will reduce the need for water changes and help keep water quality stable, which will be more important when you switch to reef set-up.

My advice, I wouldn't be too worried about it while in FOWLR mode, but I would probably install one before I put any coral or other sensitive reef creatures in the tank. It can takes a few days for a skimmer to start working properly, so be prepared for a "break in" period.

 

[Krypt]

Quick answer: forever. As long as you monitor your water quality and do water changes as necessary a skimmer is not required.

A skimmer will remove organic material, which will reduce the need for water changes and help keep water quality stable, which will be more important when you switch to reef set-up.

My advice, I wouldn't be too worried about it while in FOWLR mode, but I would probably install one before I put any coral or other sensitive reef creatures in the tank. It can takes a few days for a skimmer to start working properly, so be prepared for a "break in" period.

By break in period, he means a friggin bubble storm coming from that thing for a few days lol.

 

[melosu58]

I agree. I know several folks that dont even run skimmers. But they work religiously on their PWC`s and tank maint.