Need some quick replies..

Maxi · 08/18/2008, 06:47 PM

Right now is the chance I am getting to purchase my skimmer.

One question...

is it really necessary? What if I do weekly water changes on my tank? 36g total, and I take out like 5 a week.

kzickovich · 08/18/2008, 06:52 PM

I say if you have a reef tank it is a most. FO or FOWLR you can get away not having one but that's my opinion.

crvz · 08/18/2008, 06:57 PM

Nah, on a 36 gallon you can survive, and even thrive with softies and other more nutrient tolerant corals, without a skimmer. But you do have to spend more diligence doing water changes weekly, making sure to siphon detritus if you see it collecting on the sand.

padi200 · 08/18/2008, 06:59 PM

Yup, you can do without it, but if it is not too much $$$, I would say get it, because it allows you a little cushon with the water changes.
All depends how much it is...

ChrisKirkland · 08/18/2008, 06:59 PM

Skimmers are a must for any reef tank. As long as you know how to use one. (i.e. running the skimmer for 8 hours a day every other day to keep from removing all valuable nutrients)

Maxi · 08/18/2008, 07:00 PM

its an octopus 110.

I plan on keeping some sps, lps, and softies.

Tswifty · 08/18/2008, 07:03 PM

SPS... yes you need the skimmer.

Reef or Die · 08/18/2008, 10:06 PM

I say go for it and run a skimmer. When you see how much nasty stuff it pulls out you will agree it is a benefit to have even with all those water changes. If you plan on having 3 or more fish in there I would definitely get one.
I have an aqua c remora pro hang on my 72 gallon and I love it. For your tank you could go with the plain old Remora, not the pro and it would do your tank justice.

Good luck.

08/18/2008, 06:47 PM	#1
Maxi Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Florida Posts: 1,381	Need some quick replies.. Right now is the chance I am getting to purchase my skimmer. One question... is it really necessary? What if I do weekly water changes on my tank? 36g total, and I take out like 5 a week.

08/18/2008, 06:52 PM	#2
kzickovich Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Zion Il Posts: 959	I say if you have a reef tank it is a most. FO or FOWLR you can get away not having one but that's my opinion. __________________ Ken Current Tank Info: 90 Gal mixed reef 55 Gallon basement pump up Sump 25 Gal fuge 2 Mp40 DIY led light fixture Bubble King Mini 200 Gen2 skimmer BRS Duel reactor

08/18/2008, 06:57 PM	#3
crvz Team RC Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: houstonia Posts: 7,989	Nah, on a 36 gallon you can survive, and even thrive with softies and other more nutrient tolerant corals, without a skimmer. But you do have to spend more diligence doing water changes weekly, making sure to siphon detritus if you see it collecting on the sand. __________________ -Chris- You don't win friends with salad. "Look! They're trying to learn for free!" ... "Use your phony guns as clubs!" Current Tank Info: rectangluar? wet?

08/18/2008, 06:59 PM	#5
ChrisKirkland Reef and Coral Fanatic Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Lexington, Ky. Posts: 1,739	Skimmers are a must for any reef tank. As long as you know how to use one. (i.e. running the skimmer for 8 hours a day every other day to keep from removing all valuable nutrients) __________________ Chris Kirkland Reef Nerd. Current Tank Info: Getting back into the hobby.

08/18/2008, 07:03 PM	#7
Tswifty Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: PA Posts: 14,022	SPS... yes you need the skimmer. __________________ "Enough light? Heck I could go barebottom and grow SPS in the stand!" - DiscoReefRover

08/18/2008, 06:59 PM	#4
padi200 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: LA, CA Posts: 529	Yup, you can do without it, but if it is not too much $$$, I would say get it, because it allows you a little cushon with the water changes. All depends how much it is...

08/18/2008, 07:00 PM	#6
Maxi Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Florida Posts: 1,381	its an octopus 110. I plan on keeping some sps, lps, and softies.

08/18/2008, 10:06 PM	#8
Reef or Die Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: New York Posts: 393	I say go for it and run a skimmer. When you see how much nasty stuff it pulls out you will agree it is a benefit to have even with all those water changes. If you plan on having 3 or more fish in there I would definitely get one. I have an aqua c remora pro hang on my 72 gallon and I love it. For your tank you could go with the plain old Remora, not the pro and it would do your tank justice. Good luck.