Do I need a protein skimmer in my saltwater aquarium?

Question

Do I need a protein skimmer in my saltwater aquarium? I have a sump tank and live rocks, but everytime I blow off my rocks or stir up my crushed coral an opauqe cloudy dust gets stirred up and is not getting filtered probably because it's too small. Will a protein skimmer help, and if so what is the best type to get for a 35 gallon tank. Where is the best place to purchase one? Thanks.

Answer 1

You should have a protein skimmer. Check out wetwebmedia.com. There are tons of articles on skimmers and filtration.

Answer 2

They aren't 100% required, but they are good for what they do. The purpose of a skimmer is to remove dissolved organic material by using a fine column of bubbles. The molecules of the organic materials are attracted to the bubbles and moved up the column and deposited in a collection cup which you empty periodically. This keeps th ammonia, nitrite, and nitate in the water lower, so they're a plus for reef tanks which should have low nutrient levels.

If you're seeing "dust", you may not have enough flow in the tank to keep actual particles suspended so the filter can remove them. Or, you might just be seeing dust from the substrate if the tank is fairly new. Before you get a skimmer, if you're not certain you need one, get some fine mesh (like from an old pair of panty hose) and cover the end of your siphon with this. It will allow the dust through, but not the substrate. You could also add stronger water circulation with a powerhead or two so more of this reaches your filter.

You should be able to get a skimmer or the other items at a pet store, although if they only deal with freshwater fish, they may not carry skimmers. My preference would be to go with one of the venturi-driven skimmers (as opposed to a counter-current that uses an airstone). Most of the people here seem to like the Coralife brand. If the store you use doesn't stock skimmers, they should still be able to order one for you.

Answer 3

A good skimmer = money. Sad, but true. Spend as much as possible. Check out online shopping, Amazon, eBay, etc. Good skimmers are NOT cheap. Personal preference, look for a venturi skimmer.

Answer 4

A protien skimmer is not a must but is an awsome piece of equipment to have for ANY saltwater tank.
You should not be disterbing your sandbed, let the cleaner crew do it for you (hermit crabs and snails).
Make sure that you have enough current provided by power heads and make sure they are positioned to eliminate any dead spots in the tank.
2 maxijet 1200 should do the trick.
I use a coralife protien skimmer and have had no problems with it.

Answer 5

yea, a protein skimmer will help a lot. you might want to get some kind of tank cleaner package ( of animals) that includes things like shrimp, snails, hermit crabs, and definetly a sea cucumber. im not sure what kind to get, but im setting up a tank and i read basically everywhere that a protein skimmer is pretty necessary... so yea, good luck!

Answer 6

yes yes yes......hang on back........foster and smith online