Protein Skimmer

[Toolfan333]

Hi, I have a 75 FOWLR with a pretty heavy load. It’s a basic setup with just an FX2 and LR for filtration. I do weekly 10g WCs and that keeps my parameters in good shape. I was talking to a friend and he was saying that a skimmer would make it so I would hardly ever have to do WCs. So I’ve been looking at the aquamaxx bullet 3 hob skimmer. Would this really make that much of a difference? I don’t mind the maintenance but if a $200 piece of equipment would almost eliminate it, i might do that.
Thanks for any help

 

[FUNGI]

The skimmer will help, but not eliminate WC's completely. They export DOCs before they get converted to Nitrates/Phosphates.....
I would get this one: IMO way better then the bullet.
https://store.coralvue.com/classic-1000-hob-protein-skimmer-openbox
There should be lots of used ones available in marketplace.....

 

[PharmrJohn]

You're gonna get different answers here. Without a skimmer, you're definitely relegated to water changes. And even in the presence of a skimmer, most still do water changes. It's not just about exporting waste, but replenishing Ca, Mg, ALK, trace elements and whatnot. I'll have a nice, solid skimmer when I finally build my tank. But I'll also be doing routine water changes.

 

[Toolfan333]

The skimmer will help, but not eliminate WC's completely. They export DOCs before they get converted to Nitrates/Phosphates.....
I would get this one: IMO way better then the bullet.
https://store.coralvue.com/classic-1000-hob-protein-skimmer-openbox
There should be lots of used ones available in marketplace.....

Awesome. Thanks!

 

[Toolfan333]

You're gonna get different answers here. Without a skimmer, you're definitely relegated to water changes. And even in the presence of a skimmer, most still do water changes. It's not just about exporting waste, but replenishing Ca, Mg, ALK, trace elements and whatnot. I'll have a nice, solid skimmer when I finally build my tank. But I'll also be doing routine water changes.

Do trace elements matter in a fish only? I always thought they didn’t.

 

[FUNGI]

I'm not a trace elements guy, so not a qualified answer, but for fish only, I wouldn't think so.....

 

[Toolfan333]

I'm not a trace elements guy, so not a qualified answer, but for fish only, I wouldn't think so.....

I’m not either, I also have a nano reef and I just add a little reefplus once a week and that as far as I get into TE

 

[Pod_01]

Do trace elements matter in a fish only? I always thought they didn’t.

I suspect you feed the fish… All or most fish foods contain trace elements.
I don’t believe you need to add extra to the water column by that is just my opinion.