Maybe SW Tank

[redsea]

Hi all, so I started a thread like this in the freshwater section. As some of you may know, I currently don't have any tanks, but may be interested in setting one up in the future. If I go SW, there are some things I am curious about.

First off, would I need a skimmer for a 40 gallon tank? If I did get another tank, I was thinking around 40 gallons, but I am not sure yet. Also, I was curious as to what you guys do with your water change water, and your skimmate from your protein skimmer.

If a skimmer would be beneficial (which I am thinking it probably would be), what would you recommend for a tank around forty gallons?

Thanks, I may have more questions in the future, but this is all for now.

 

[TommyP]

Hello! I would recommend a skimmer for your 40 gallon tank if you are thinking about going reef. This helps pull all the junk out of the water so it's more prestine. I have a 55g and I use a reef octopus HOB skimmer bh-100, they also have the bh-1000 for smaller/bigger tanks I forget which one it is. I flush the skim down the toilet, rinse it out in the sink and put it back on. And the water change water I use to shower.



Just kidding lol. My block is kind of hilly so I just walk to the end of the drive-way and pour the water down the street, or out the back door over the deck, whichever I feel like that day lol. I started with a 30g freshwater and a small chi 5g tank I had a goldfish in (before I knew anything) and when I got my 55 salt up and running it has been my main focus. I love it so much and everything is so interesting. Good luck - hope to see a SW build here !

 

[TheTodd]

What are your long term plans for the tank? Are you thinking reef or fish-only? For reef, I would have a skimmer. For FOWLR, it couldn't hurt, but probably is not a necessity. I have a 75g FOWLR with no skimmer and my parameters always stay in check.

 

[PurplePolyp]

A skimmer isn't necessary but is recommended. Make sure it's rated for bigger than your tank. A 65g skimmer would work great for a 40 gallon tank. I went for a year on my 90 gallon before finally adding a skimmer and never had any issues with water quality.