Do i need a protein skimmer

Salty fish keeper

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Hey so I am going to setup a marine planted aquarium with macro algae and I was wandering do I need a protein skimmer I heard that macro algae can use excess nutrients as well as nitrates and phosphates to grow so should I buy one or will the macro algae do the job
 

Mastiffsrule

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Welcoming you to our home.

I would hold off on the skimmer depending on you bioload. Macro algea does just what you mentioned. If you run a heavily stocked tank then I would run it. Trick is to balance the bioload with what the algea will consume.

#WelcometoR2R
 

Peace River

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Welcoming you to our home.

I would hold off on the skimmer depending on you bioload. Macro algea does just what you mentioned. If you run a heavily stocked tank then I would run it. Trick is to balance the bioload with what the algea will consume.

#WelcometoR2R

In addition to what @Mastiffsrule said, stay consistent with your water tests and that should let you know if you need to make changes like adding a skimmer. On the other hand, adding a skimmer wouldn't hurt.
 

Pntbll687

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You can run any size tank without a skimmer.

I run a 20 long in my office with just powerheads for movement, and 5g water changes every week.

@WWC runs a 293g tank with no skimmer.

So I'm pretty sure any size in between can be maintained without a skimmer
 

DSC reef

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That's pretty cool, I need to check that out. Last time I was at world wide I believe they had skimmers going on all the tanks but it's been awhile. I agree, you can run a healthy tank without a skimmer but I've always preferred one.
 

Pntbll687

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That's pretty cool, I need to check that out. Last time I was at world wide I believe they had skimmers going on all the tanks but it's been awhile. I agree, you can run a healthy tank without a skimmer but I've always preferred one.

I use one on my 200g, but can't say that it makes a massive difference.

The 20 long with no skimmer is my favorite tank. It's simple, bare bottom, and easy to maintain.
 

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