Is a protein skimmer necessary for a fowlr setup

[gordoncheers]

Would a protein skimmer be necessary for a fowlr setup that's around 250-300 gallons? I would be conducting weekly water changes.

 

[theMeat]

It’s not necessary on any tank but that doesn’t mean it's not a good improvement on any either

 

[jackson6745]

It kind of helps the tank not be a cesspool of waste and provides oxygenation. Don’t see the upside of passing on a skimmer in fowlr system where you will likely have a solid bioload.

 

[ScottieB]

Necessary? No… but for a well stocked FOWLR you might still consider nutrient export in some capacity. A protein skimmer is one way.

Even weekly water changes (unless it’s 100%) is still like only partially flushing your toilet while your family, friends and neighbors are continuously using it.

 

[JC1977]

The problem if it’s a FOWLR then you’re probably looking at bigger fish that need to eat a lot and water changes only get you so far in a 300 gallon tank. Personally I wouldn’t run a FOWLR without one. I actually run two skimmers on my 360 lol

 

[Cycleguy0623]

I would argue it is more important on a FOWL. In a reef I need the fish poo for coral food. For the FOWL I would run a skimmer as a primary filtration piece.

 

[BigMonkeyBrain]

I like running HOB filters on all my tanks / sumps freshwater and saltwater. A filter keeps the water clear and can be a great place to keep carbon and ? for crystal clear water. You don't need to keep P04 or N03 in check, so anything to remove waste is nice. A weekly rinse of the filter pads is all you need. I do own a skimmer !

Probably happens !

“So let it be written, so let it be done”

 

[LAReefer4Life]

I would argue it is more important on a FOWL. In a reef I need the fish poo for coral food. For the FOWL I would run a skimmer as a primary filtration piece.

+1

 

[Devaji]

FOWLR tens to be heavily stocked so more O2 is needed skimmer are a great way to add that.
plus they:
take out all the crap( N&P)
a place to add Ozone ( if one wants to do that)
run 24/7 with very little maintenance

so DO you need one. NO but the positives way out weigh the negatives.

one could always run a large ATS that would do the trick.

 

[dyno]

In a tank that big a protein skimmer and ozone will be godsend. I keep big fish and would not think of doing a tank without a skimmer or ozone.