importance of protein skimmer?

[CARM]

Is a protein skimmer really necessary for a FOWLR tank?

 

[WMC]

Is a protein skimmer really necessary for a FOWLR tank?

I know I will be contradicted on this, but NO. A skimmer is not absolutely necessary for a FOWLR. 1-1.5 lbs of live rock per gallon, 20% water changes every two weeks and a tank that is not overstocked and you will be fine without a skimmer. I know this to be true because although I have had SW tanks for twelve years I once went a period of five years with no skimmer and never lost a fish.

 

[trackfast]

+1 ; not an necessity. If you do weekly PWCs, you should be fine with any size tank; maybe even a reef tank.

 

[johnmichael]

does the skimmer then allow more time in between water changes then?

 

[mr_X]

it depends on how you feed. a skimmer removes nutrients from the tank. is it mandatory? no. is it a helpful tool? yup.

 

[CARM]

Ok great, thanks for the advice guys!