The beginning

saltymight · 10/04/2007, 08:16 AM

Ok So I broke down my 55 gallon two years ago and are now starting a 20 gallon. I still have a lot of my stuff for it and was wondering if icould use some of it like my protein skimmer im pretty sure is for 20-75 gallons the one I got need to check on that not at home right now though. if i did use it would it strip trace elements from my tank fast. Right now im using a HOB filter is will my tank be just fine with that. could I just use the protein skimmer I forget these things sorry. I dont plan on getting any corals so just fish.

dwd5813 · 10/04/2007, 08:25 AM

for a fish only, you could use the HOB and not have to worry so much about the nitrates. keep them below 100 and you should be safe. i dont know that you need a skimmer for a FO tank. I would still recommend that you get some live rock for that tank. it will look "cool" and also provide biological filtration. you could get some base rock and be okay.

DetectiveTofu · 10/04/2007, 01:24 PM

In my opinion, a skimmer is what can make the difference between success and failure (I don't mean this in a harsh way). It definitely cannot hurt to use one, especially if you've got one lying around. If not, it is relatively easy to find a skimmer to match everyones budget. When is comes down to it, a 'piece of garbage skimmer' is still better than no skimmer at all.

The skimmer will remove trace elements, however in a fish only tank I don't think is as vital as in a reef tank. Trace elements are still important so you can dose trace elements; even your regular water changes will replenish any lost trace elements.

I second dwd5813 when he says to get some live rock in your tank. It is an excellent means of biological filtration, and it comes with a bunch of little critters beneficial for your aquarium

If you're going to really be packing the fish into this tank, I would also recommend using a HOB filter, or some sort of mechanical filter. Just be sure to change it regularly, as this will aid in keeping the nitrates down.

saltymight · 10/04/2007, 10:58 PM

yea i plan on doing weeklyt changed and im rock in coming tomorrow

10/04/2007, 08:16 AM	#1
saltymight Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Clay, Ny Posts: 860	The beginning Ok So I broke down my 55 gallon two years ago and are now starting a 20 gallon. I still have a lot of my stuff for it and was wondering if icould use some of it like my protein skimmer im pretty sure is for 20-75 gallons the one I got need to check on that not at home right now though. if i did use it would it strip trace elements from my tank fast. Right now im using a HOB filter is will my tank be just fine with that. could I just use the protein skimmer I forget these things sorry. I dont plan on getting any corals so just fish.

10/04/2007, 08:25 AM	#2
dwd5813 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: 813 Posts: 2,827	for a fish only, you could use the HOB and not have to worry so much about the nitrates. keep them below 100 and you should be safe. i dont know that you need a skimmer for a FO tank. I would still recommend that you get some live rock for that tank. it will look "cool" and also provide biological filtration. you could get some base rock and be okay. __________________ order some golf shoes, otherwise we'll never get out of this place alive. what can i say? in dog beers, i have only had one. - dublo8 Current Tank Info: 40B aiptasia farm

10/04/2007, 01:24 PM	#3
DetectiveTofu Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 2,150	In my opinion, a skimmer is what can make the difference between success and failure (I don't mean this in a harsh way). It definitely cannot hurt to use one, especially if you've got one lying around. If not, it is relatively easy to find a skimmer to match everyones budget. When is comes down to it, a 'piece of garbage skimmer' is still better than no skimmer at all. The skimmer will remove trace elements, however in a fish only tank I don't think is as vital as in a reef tank. Trace elements are still important so you can dose trace elements; even your regular water changes will replenish any lost trace elements. I second dwd5813 when he says to get some live rock in your tank. It is an excellent means of biological filtration, and it comes with a bunch of little critters beneficial for your aquarium If you're going to really be packing the fish into this tank, I would also recommend using a HOB filter, or some sort of mechanical filter. Just be sure to change it regularly, as this will aid in keeping the nitrates down.

10/04/2007, 10:58 PM	#4
saltymight Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Clay, Ny Posts: 860	yea i plan on doing weeklyt changed and im rock in coming tomorrow