Do I have to have a protein skimmer in my 55 gal saltwater tank ?

Question

I have two damsels, a roayal gramma and a medium size goby, one sea star, 3 snails and a shrimp. I haven't hooked up the protein skimmer yet, do I even need it, everything seems to be going OK so far, I dont have coral or anything, just live rock, with a crushed coral substrate. What do you think ?

Answer 1

I have a 29 gallon with a damsel, clownfish, dartfish, mandarin goby, snails, horseshoe crab, hermit crabs, shrimp, and snails. This particular tank is over three years old and I have never added a skimmer to it. If you have one I would say go for it, but if you aren't putting in any water supplements other then salt mix, I would say it isn't necessary.
A

Answer 2

You do not have to have one, but it will make life a lot easier if you get one--it will also cut down on the frequency with which you have to change your water and help keep your pH levels constant.