Would a protein skimmer, such as the one seen here (http://www.thatpetplace.com/pet/prod/204173/i/2/product.web), work fine for a 20-30 gallon tank? I don't want anything too advance, I'm just planning on using it for a few months with 2-3 small fish until I setup a 55 gallon tank. It just seems too cheap; the ones we sell at Petco go for around $200+.
2007-06-23 17:55:40 · 4 answers · asked by Ryan N 3 in Pets ➔ Fish
Try this link http://www.petco.com/product/6125/Lee-s-Counter-Current-Protein-Skimmer.aspx
2007-06-23 18:05:34 · update #1
If you're just using this for a few months with a couple small fish (damsels are a good choice) then you definitely do not even need a skimmer! It is not a necessity for fish only tanks. The water quality won't be as good, but the fish will be fine. Just do your regular water changes every 2 weeks.
I definitely don't recommend buying any kind of skimmer for the small tank. Save your money and invest in a nice skimmer for the larger tank you are setting up. Don't buy a Skilter. They are pretty much useless. Mine is basically just another power filter on the tank.
Take the new tanks slow! Lots and lots of research and ask questions! I could have prevented a lot of loss early on in my tanks if I did these things.
Good Luck
2007-06-24 04:27:14 · answer #1 · answered by Chris C 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Okay, the new link is working. The difference between they type you have in the link and the others you've seen are that this one uses an airstone to move the water (which you have to buy separately). The wooden airstone gets clogged pretty often and needs to be replaced monthly. Also consider the difference between these as far as power - like comparing an undergravel filter powered by an airstone to a filter powered by a motor - the one that's motor driven move a lot more water. See the discussion on air-driven (your type) versus Venturi driven (what you see for more money) in this link: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/proskimrart2.htm
And it's possible to get venturi skimmer for less than $200, depending on the size you need for your tank. Here's a store with a good selection: http://www.thatpetplace.com/pet/cat/info/22996/category.web
2007-06-24 01:40:51 · answer #2 · answered by copperhead 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i agree, check the links. if you really want and are going to get the 55 in a few months, wait for it. its alot more difficult to trasfer the old atnk to the new, and 2-3 months you will have jsut cycled the 20g and added one fish, and you will have to do the process all over again. i would go with a coralife super skimmer for the 55 and forget the 20-30g. if you want both set up go ahead and do both. i would recommend nano-reefs.com or reefcentral.com for advice on a skimmer for the 20-30. a pak-bak is my first thought but in no way advice, not the best skimmer and i wouldnt use it on a 55g. damsels are just mean fish, territorial and mean. they grow up to be plain and again mean fish. gobies are the same size and not agrresssive nd alot better color and personality
2007-06-24 13:43:44 · answer #3 · answered by michael_j_p_42503 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Hey that link didnt work :(
2007-06-24 01:02:02 · answer #4 · answered by Bill M 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋