what would be the best protein skimmer to use in a 20gal hex saltwater tank?

Question

I am trying to find a protein skimmer to fit my 20 gal hex tank without resorting to a sump setup. Do I really need one? I have only 4 fish, live rock and mushroom corals in the tank and want to add some hermits and snails and shrimp to it.

Answer 1

you could even build one yourself with a 2 liter bottle or pvc pipe!


you didnt say what size fish, but i'll assume they are small. you dont have to have a skimmer, but without one you will need to (should) do water changes every week.

with a really light bioload you could get away with anything at all, but it sounds like you are going to stock up!

how much do you want to spend? the ASM mini is ~$100 but would do amazing things to your water.

if you have half that, try getting something from ebay used, just make sure the pump is included.

stay away from prizm and seaclone.

look at www.reefcentral.com or www.wetwebmedia.com for great help.

good luck!

Answer 2

Honestly most are over rated, I have used many in the many reef aquariums we maintained. Often they would stop forming foam in between our visits. They are many ways to remove organics, such as quality live rock, mud filters, and water changes.

That said, when I do use protein skimmers on smaller aquariums (60 or less), I prefer the combination ones such as the Via Aqua Muulti Skimmer, this is a combination skimmer and UV Sterilizer, which there is a lot of mis-information about the benefits, especially when it comes to new reseach about the Redox Potential and its importance to aquatic health.
Here ia link o the Via Aqua Skimmer:
http://americanaquariumproducts.com/ViaAquaMultiSkimmer.html
For more information about uv sterilization (also a lot more links for marine and other information (marine lighting);
http://americanaquariumproducts.com/AquariumUVSterilization.html