Protein Skimmer, not what but how?

[KQuillan]

My tank is a 38g bow front. I know what a protein skimmer is supposed to do but I don't really know anything about how they work, and what kind I should get. A little guidance and advice would be appreciated.

 

[vetteguy53081]

My tank is a 38g bow front. I know what a protein skimmer is supposed to do but I don't really know anything about how they work, and what kind I should get. A little guidance and advice would be appreciated.

Your tank I assume is not reef ready. An ideal unit would be icecap K1-100 or K2-50.
Skimmers remove organic waste before they have a chance to break down and release nitrogen compounds thereby reducing nitrates and increase oxygen

 

[KQuillan]

Your tank I assume is not reef ready. An ideal unit would be icecap K1-100 or K2-50.
Skimmers remove organic waste before they have a chance to break down and release nitrogen compounds thereby reducing nitrates and increase oxygen

Thanks for the info. My tank has been running for about six months. I'm using a canister but want to get a skimmer. I know what they are supposed to do, just not sure about the setup process.

***edit, just watched the video.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Thanks for the info. My tank has been running for about six months. I'm using a canister but want to get a skimmer. I know what they are supposed to do, just not sure about the setup process.

***edit, just watched the video.

Most skimmers have a minimum/maximum water requirement and when you plug in unit, it will prime itself and run. Most have a air control knob where you want to go to lowest setting and increase air to desired height inside chamber

 

[backbayreef]

Depending on your tank’s size, a skimmer might be beneficial. Since yours is a 38g, I think that a skimmer can only help. Plenty of YT videos and articles here on how to set up and tune a skimmer. Bottom line: it can only help so I would recommend oversizing your skimmer!

Having said that, I’m running a Red Sea Reefer 250 (65g) without a skimmer. I do have an old BM C5 skimmer collecting dust since I’m too lazy to clean the skimmer cup. The tank has mostly softies with 3 SPS frags and everyone is happy. Yes, I’m missing the extra pH boost from the skimmer’s oxygenation but I rather give up growth over extra maintenance! I already have another display tank and planning a frag tank…less (work) is more for me.

Good luck and do let us know how things turn out.