skimmer question

[uriah]

If im running a 15g fuge w/ good lighting and a few mangroves for a 55g tank (monthly 20% water change), how neccisary is a skimmer? I understand things depend on whats in the tank, but "generally speaking".

[LoneStar]

I think it really depends on your livestock, amount you feed, how mature the tank is......

Do you currently have a skimmer? I would still run it and then get that fuge growing macro algea. Really have it grow and fill it up the fuge. You can always try a larger fuge, or even a fuge that could be displayed. Then you can see if your skimmer production starts slowing down.

[uriah]

So potentially, if I had the fuge going strong w/ algea and some mangroves, the skimmer could be cut out of the picture? I saw a couple of threads on 100% bio filtration and just gauging the importance of a skimmer. I dont currently have any livestock in my tank because im building up the tank before I start building up the reef. I plan on slowly adding a few fish, followed by some lps, zoes and softies.

[uriah]

Can anyone give me some feedback on the following product?

http://www.ecoaqualizer.com/aquarium1.htm

[LoneStar]

Can anyone give me some feedback on the following product?

http://www.ecoaqualizer.com/aquarium1.htm

JUNK!! Stay away~

[uriah]

I guess ill just keep a close eye on the water levels and if all else fails, ill start using a skimmer.

[Troutmasters02]

I have a 20 gallon refug with live rock, macroalgae and sand bed. I run my skimmer about 50% of the time depending on when I dose DT's for livestock. When the skimmer is on it pulls lots of gunk out of the water. When it's off, I see no visable changes in coral and fish. Like anything in this hobby, it depends on the context of the question.

[coraline79]

Give a run down of what you are keeping. A skimmer can be very important to your success in this hobby. If you aren't going to run one, you need to double your fuge size, 30 gallons, and you absolutely want to go with a deep sand bed from what I have learned. Where the drain line comes into the fuge you are going to want all the live rubble you can fit. Cheatomorpha Macroalgae and/or Calurpa w/ 24 hour lighting. I would also invest in the larges cleanup crew you can afford in order break down detritus faster making it easier to absorb by the plants.

[jc]

It can be done. The major obstacle you are going to encounter is patience. Lack of patience is something that almost all aquarist have. A skimmer can be a valuable tool that gives you a buffer against going to fast to soon. If you plan your tank out ahead of time and add a minimum of livestock I think you will be o.k. You are going to be the best judge of your tanks health. Keep an eye on things and be prepared with a plan if things start to go south. Maybe keep a skimmer on hand just in case and always have some water for a change if needed.