Protein Skimmer

[PSreef75]

I have a 110 gallon reef tank that I am slowly adding and building. I currently have Rock, a few shrimp, emerald crab, couple pajama cardinals, and a few damsels. My coral collection so far are just a handful of LPS. I am running a Fluval FX6 with a couple power heads. Should I have a protein skimmer of do I not need one until I get more livestock? I am also wondering when it is time how big should I get?

 

[TX_REEF]

protein skimmer generally makes maintenance easier as it handles a lot of nutrient export for you. If you don't have one, regular water changes are much more important. If you decide to get a skimmer, I am partial to Reef Octopus brand, but there are plenty of reputable skimmer brands out there.

 

[Brian60077]

I have a 110 gallon reef tank that I am slowly adding and building. I currently have Rock, a few shrimp, emerald crab, couple pajama cardinals, and a few damsels. My coral collection so far are just a handful of LPS. I am running a Fluval FX6 with a couple power heads. Should I have a protein skimmer of do I not need one until I get more livestock? I am also wondering when it is time how big should I get?

That’s kinda what my local reef club, and a couple fb forums have suggested as well, I have. JBJ nanocube 28 or 29 gallon and a coralife bio cube protein skimmer that was acting stupid with microbubbles and occasionally way too much foam with no water to go with it in the collection cup, sometimes pushing the lid off the cup. Was gonna return it to Petco and get a flame angel. Still may get the flame angel, but after my local reef club members, a couple fb forums, and a friend who works at the Shedd aquarium in Chicago all basically suggested to keep a skimmer on it to somewhat lower maintenance, more oxygenation, and other benefits, plus my friend inspected it completely and found a microscopic hairline crack where the collection cup connected to the skimmer, I exchanged it for another one, and he set it up and since he spent the weekend with me, fine tuned it and now is working properly. Evidently they are not required but appear to be highly recommended to have.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

I'll second everyone else and say they are worth having! Do you have a budget range for a skimmer?

 

[PSreef75]

I want to get something good was hoping to stay in the $100-$200 range but looks like I may need to go a bit higher.

 

[vetteguy53081]

I have a 110 gallon reef tank that I am slowly adding and building. I currently have Rock, a few shrimp, emerald crab, couple pajama cardinals, and a few damsels. My coral collection so far are just a handful of LPS. I am running a Fluval FX6 with a couple power heads. Should I have a protein skimmer of do I not need one until I get more livestock? I am also wondering when it is time how big should I get?

Yes do so as the canister is insufficient for organic waste removal.
With a canister only, this unit is a mechanical filter and you want to have mechanical , biological and chemical to manage proper water quality. The canister will polish water and trap particles via the cartridge.
Chemical is what traps and breaks down chemical compounds such as feces and uneaten food often accomplished with use of carbon and GFO as examples
Biological is what utilizes the natural process of biological filtration such as use of ceramic nuggets, bio blocks, and microscopic bacteria surfaces as examples. Best it to add a hang on refugium such as Reef octopus or AquaMaxx unit and even a skimmer such as ice cap or reef octopus

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

I want to get something good was hoping to stay in the $100-$200 range but looks like I may need to go a bit higher.

For sure, a lot higher. I recently bought a Aquaready Bullet 3 for my 32 gallon, it cost $350 (CAD which is approx $250 USD)