Protein Skimmers..Necessary?

messina06 · 04/11/2011, 06:57 AM

I have a 90g reef up and running now for 8 years. I have always used a Tunzi protein skimmer but recently the motor broke. Is it necessary to run one in an instablissed tank or a novelty?

I have about 125 lbs of live rock and a refugium.

Reef Bass · 04/11/2011, 07:51 AM

I suppose it depends on how much of what you keep as to whether it's a necessity or not.

To me with lots of sps it's a necessity. I doubt I could keep as many sps as happy without it. Every time I empty the collection cup I think about how nasty the tank water would be with those precursors to nitrogenous waste products in there.

somethingphishy · 04/11/2011, 07:54 AM

there are people who are skimmer-less but personally i will always have one

T Diddy · 04/11/2011, 08:37 AM

How often do you do water changes? If not that often, I'd stick with a skimmer or a LARGE fuge...or both

Lynnmw1208 · 04/11/2011, 08:42 AM

I would stick with the protein skimmer. There are actually natural protein skimmers in the ocean on the form of gases released from volcanic activity. (saw it on a show lol) Plus that black gunk is probably better going down my sink drain than sitting in the tank.

realtime3d · 04/11/2011, 09:42 AM

Here's an article analyzing the skimmate of a protein skimmer. I attended his presentation at a local aquarium society meeting. It disappointed more than a few people who invested a significant portion of their budget in the biggest, baddest skimmer they could fit in there. The summary for those who don't want to read the article was that skimmers only remove about 25-35% of TOC (total organic carbon) over the long run and it was largely independent of cost -- ie. some of the cheapest skimmers performed as well if not better than the most expensive ones.

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2010/2/aafeature

04/11/2011, 06:57 AM	#1
messina06 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: ft lauderdale, FL Posts: 364	Protein Skimmers..Necessary? I have a 90g reef up and running now for 8 years. I have always used a Tunzi protein skimmer but recently the motor broke. Is it necessary to run one in an instablissed tank or a novelty? I have about 125 lbs of live rock and a refugium.

04/11/2011, 07:51 AM	#2
Reef Bass colors and textures Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Petaluma CA Posts: 6,301	I suppose it depends on how much of what you keep as to whether it's a necessity or not. To me with lots of sps it's a necessity. I doubt I could keep as many sps as happy without it. Every time I empty the collection cup I think about how nasty the tank water would be with those precursors to nitrogenous waste products in there. __________________ The human desires for instant gratification and immediate problem resolution cannot be satisfied with this hobby. Former president and co-president of the Wine Country Reefers. Current Tank Info: 60 gallons of Scleractinia and Zoanthidae lit w/ LEDs

04/11/2011, 07:54 AM	#3
somethingphishy Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Fleetwood, pa Posts: 852	there are people who are skimmer-less but personally i will always have one __________________ "Set the gearshift for the high gear Of your soul, you've got to run like An antelope out of control!" Current Tank Info: 50g/20l sump

04/11/2011, 08:37 AM	#4
T Diddy Slayer of Mice Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Augusta, Ga Posts: 1,338	How often do you do water changes? If not that often, I'd stick with a skimmer or a LARGE fuge...or both __________________ America's best are not in America. Current Tank Info: 140 Gallon DSA in-wall, foam/rock wall, DIY LED, 40g sump, Precision Marine Skimmer, 100 gallon refugium, NO3, PO4,NH3/4 undetectable, Mg, Ca, KH...eeehhhhhh?

04/11/2011, 08:42 AM	#5
Lynnmw1208 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Brunswick, Ohio Posts: 3,306	I would stick with the protein skimmer. There are actually natural protein skimmers in the ocean on the form of gases released from volcanic activity. (saw it on a show lol) Plus that black gunk is probably better going down my sink drain than sitting in the tank. __________________ equipment: Eshopps psk-200 skimmer, Mag 12 pump, 30gal sump, 2x 300w Finnex heaters, glass-holes 1500gph overflow kit with 3/4" return kits, 72" 8x36w t-5 AquaticLife light, 66lbs of LR, 150lbs of tropic eden reeflakes, 2 Koralia Evo 1400, JBJ ATO, BRS dual GFO/carbon reactors, Hydor smartwave Current Tank Info: 125gallon

04/11/2011, 09:42 AM	#6
realtime3d Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 39	Here's an article analyzing the skimmate of a protein skimmer. I attended his presentation at a local aquarium society meeting. It disappointed more than a few people who invested a significant portion of their budget in the biggest, baddest skimmer they could fit in there. The summary for those who don't want to read the article was that skimmers only remove about 25-35% of TOC (total organic carbon) over the long run and it was largely independent of cost -- ie. some of the cheapest skimmers performed as well if not better than the most expensive ones. http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2010/2/aafeature

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