Thoughts on protein skimmers for small tanks

becky46

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Hey all, what are your opinions on a protein skimmer for a small tank? I'm thinking in the 15-30G range.
 

atomos

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I've been a fan of protein skimmers as long as I can remember. For our 20G IM Nuvo, we run the IM Protein skimmer.
 

jfoahs04

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Depends. It’s a no from me on my EVO 13.5. I do weekly 15-20% water changes and keep LPS and softies. If I was going to take a serious crack at SPS, I’d get one. It’s possible to grow SPS in a nano without a skimmer, but you’d be stacking the deck against yourself. Just to small a margin of error with sensitive coral and not all that much water volume in the system.
 

SchrutesReefs

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I second having a skimmer. I have always had one regardless of tank size, just my preference, no other reason. I currently have the Eshopps nano in my Nuvo 20.
 

kpoj9

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I’m not a fan of using skimmers on nano tanks. Most are terrible at skimming. IMO they are a waste of money. I’m currently dosing No3/Po4 to keep my nutrients up.
 

Revnobody

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I’m not a fan of using skimmers on nano tanks. Most are terrible at skimming. IMO they are a waste of money. I’m currently dosing No3/Po4 to keep my nutrients up.
^^^^ I agree^^^^. In my experience, I find that nano skimmers aren't all that effective. Although to be fair, I haven't used any of the nano skimmers produced in the last 8 years or so. :p
 

blaxsun

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I've heard good things about the Tunze skimmers, but stay away (run don't walk!) from any Innovative Marine protein skimmers. The collection cup has probably the worst design imaginable (leaks around, over and through the top) and the pumps will (no exaggeration here) break and stop working every 2-3 months. The fact that IM is constantly out of these pumps for warranty speaks volumes...
 
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