Is a protein skimmer needed?

[rob92]

Are protein skimmers needed for a FOWLR tank? Would it be a waste of money or would it help save money by cutting back on water changes? I have a 35 gallon tank

 

[Reefing Madness]

Helps maintain water quality. Always a bonus. Is it an absolute for a FOWLR, no. You can run a decent canister filter and get away with it.

 

[RonnieBlack]

Unless you want to do biweekly partial water changes. A skimmer helps water quality, and with skimmers you get what you pay for. I suggest Octopus skimmers..

 

[rob92]

So a skimmer could in the long run save money by cutting down on water changes

 

[best3175]

I would argue that it is the most important man-made filter on a saltwater aquarium. It is 2nd only to the de-nitrafying process that occurs naturally in the aquarium.

 

[rob92]

Thank you for all the replies now my next question is what is everyone's thoughts on hob skimmers? The only one in my price range as of right now is the instant ocean hob skimmer that petsmart sells.

 

[robbrouse]

There are some good HOB skimmers out there. Not sure what one Petsmart sells.. Might be worth saving up until you can get a good one.

 

[rob92]

Which brand of hob skimmers would you suggest and what is the price range that you can think of

 

[robbrouse]

One of these would be a good choice IMO..Not sure what your price range is..

[url]http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/reef-octopus-bh100-hang-on-the-back-protein-skimmer.html

Reef Octopus BH1000 Hang-on-the-Back Protein Skimmer - Bulk Reef Supply


[/URL]

 

[kacrocorals581]

The red sea prizm deluxe hob skimmer would be better than those seaclone skimmers and same price range check them out on amazon

 

[zoalover]

I have personally use reef octopus and aqua C and found both to be excellent skimmers...