Frag tank filtration?

[Catchemall]

I was wondering if it is absolutely neccasary to have a skimmer in a frag tank or can I run a lot of chaeto and call it a day. How will this work out with normal weekly 10% water changes and misty easy sps and Lps. I thought I would start it this way then get a skimmer later on. The tanks is going to be a 40 breeder drilled with a eshopps large overflow 20 gallon long dedicated to mostly algae. I also have a turf scrubber I could run if needed to. Which would be better chaeto or just go turf scrubber?

 

[Hitman]

The chaeto will be fine for the nutrient but that will not remove the proteins which is what the protein Skimmer does.

 

[Catchemall]

The chaeto will be fine for the nutrient but that will not remove the proteins which is what the protein Skimmer does.

Help me understand the proteins. I understand I’ll more than likely fight a film on top of the water is that the proteins?

 

[Instigate]

Plenty of people run systems with no skimmer. I've been running a coral and invert QT for over a year with no skimmer. LPS, zoas, some easy SPS, pocillopora, montipora etc. No issues with a film because I have plenty of flow.

A skimmer removes dissolved organics. So with no skimmer your main removal method would be WC's I believe.

 

[Hitman]

Help me understand the proteins. I understand I’ll more than likely fight a film on top of the water is that the proteins?

Correct.

 

[cromag27 Verified Sponsor]

lipids as well.