Hang on back filter vs. protein skimmer

[Viper23]

Hello everyone, I'm new to the hobby and have just built a FOWLR tank. My tank is a 75g setup with a fluval 305 canister filter, uv sterilizer, 55lb lr (more coming), 1 power head & a emperor 400 hob. I was wondering if a nice protein skimmer would be better to run then the emperor? All levels are great except trates are always between 40 & 60. I do 10% water changes almost weekly and only have 6 relatively smaller fish in there with a small cucrew.

 

[Sniperhank]

Well, the canister filter might be the reason for your nitrates being high. Probably need to clean it really well. As for a skimmer, since you are doing FOWLR you might not need one. But, you are using a canister filter AND a biowheel filter? That there is more than enough filtration...I'd atleast hope your water is pristine! Unless you are overfeeding like a champ, there is no reason for more filtration.

 

[Viper23]

I normally feed them twice a day a combo of krill, pellet & brine shrimp. So you do think the
Bio-wheel emperor is a better fit then a skimmer?

 

[Sniperhank]

Twice a day? What do you have that needs feeding twice a day? Me feeding my tank every day is too much. But that is why I have a skimmer. If you want to keep up with that feeding regiment...you might want a skimmer. There are HOB skimmers too, mine could be either and was HOB before I got my sump setup.

 

[Viper23]

I have 3 small damsels, 1 small yellow tang, a green wrasse, a snowflake eel & a small Niger trigger. Do you think I'm over feeding them?

 

[crister13]

Those fish are MESSY eaters!!!!! The niger and tang should have a 125+ tank.