Do I need a Skimmer

[finley]

I am going to get a 20 gallon marine tank and was wondering whether I need a skimmer ( I may have posted this a few times as have not got good signal at the moment )

 

[Propane]

Welcome! No you do not need a skimmer. Lots of tanks don’t use one.

 

[Dan_P]

I am going to get a 20 gallon marine tank and was wondering whether I need a skimmer ( I may have posted this a few times as have not got good signal at the moment )

The average start up aquarium in this hobby is overstocked and can rapidly become a mess. The natural urge is to quickly find a solution to battle the problems, one of which is buying a skimmer. And when that does not seem to work, the next solution is purchased.

How you stock an aquarium could determine whether the first year is a year of fixing the aquarium and asking why you didn’t just download an aquarium app instead or exotic pet ownership bliss.

Good luck and welcome to R2R! Looking forwards to your build thread.

Dan

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

Only my main tank has a skimmer. My 15 and 20 gallons don’t.

 

[jda]

I would use a skimmer for gas exchange if nothing else. They are also really good at removing harsh metals bound to organics that come in on food and supplements. Even those who tell you that water changes can remove can do the same thing forget about these two benefits.

 

[kevgib67]

I agree with @jda , I have never not had a skimmer. You don’t necessarily need one from the start. You could add it down the road when your tank begins to get more life in it.

 

[exnisstech]

I would add one later especially if your new to the hobby. Reason for that is you may decide it's not for you and it will be one less piece of gear to sell at a loss :winking-face:
I'm currently running skimmers on my tanks but ran several years without them so no they are not needed.

 

[Borat]

Only little girls dont use skimmer

 

[EricR]

Only little girls dont use skimmer

Hey,,, who you callin' little girl? Just kidding.
I run a 40 gallon tank with no skimmer (and no sump) and no issues with nutrient control.
I agree with post #5 however that, if nothing else, gas exchange alone might be enough to consider running one.

 

[Borat]

Hey,,, who you callin' little girl? Just kidding.
I run a 40 gallon tank with no skimmer (and no sump) and no issues with nutrient control.
I agree with post #5 however that, if nothing else, gas exchange alone might be enough to consider running one.

i ran my 4foot tank with no slimmer for 4 years.. wasnt a problem at all...