can i run my 30 gal fish only tank without filter ... running a skimmer only

minajaguar · 05/25/2012, 08:10 AM

can i run my 30 gal fish only tank without filter ... running a skimmer only ???

sponger0 · 05/25/2012, 08:11 AM

Yes. I would recommend it over a filter. As long as you have good biological filtration you should be fine

Faye · 05/25/2012, 08:38 AM

Biology over technology.

sponger0 · 05/25/2012, 08:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Faye

Biology over technology.

I agree

bongarone · 05/25/2012, 08:53 AM

No! A skimmer does NOT replace biological filtration.

In a reef tank and a FOWLR tank, the large quantity of porous rock takes care of all biological filtration. It's not that there's no filter in the tank, it's just that the filter is not in the form of a plastic box.

I scanned through your previous posts and it looks like you have a canister filter and possibly a wet/dry. Do you have any live rock? Also, your title says your tank is 300 gallons but your post says 30 gallons. Which one is it? How much live rock do you have? Please post a list of your livestock and we can tell you how much rock you need in your tank.

For the time being, do NOT remove your existing filters until we can better assess your situation.

a.browning · 05/25/2012, 11:04 AM

No need for traditional "filters" on saltwater tanks, they normally do more harm than good. The protein skimmer is really just a different type of filter.

Michigan Mike · 05/25/2012, 11:31 AM

Besides a lot of live rock and good circulation, a skimmer is all you COULD need. So how much rock and livestock and what dimensions of your tank is a good start.

05/25/2012, 08:10 AM	#1
minajaguar Moved On Join Date: Mar 2012 Posts: 112	can i run my 30 gal fish only tank without filter ... running a skimmer only can i run my 30 gal fish only tank without filter ... running a skimmer only ??? Last edited by minajaguar; 05/25/2012 at 09:04 AM.

05/25/2012, 11:04 AM	#6
a.browning Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Columbus, Ohio Posts: 975	No need for traditional "filters" on saltwater tanks, they normally do more harm than good. The protein skimmer is really just a different type of filter. __________________ 75 SPS, 80 & 45 Frag Tank, 40B Leather Tank

05/25/2012, 08:11 AM	#2
sponger0 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Virginia Beach Posts: 6,659	Yes. I would recommend it over a filter. As long as you have good biological filtration you should be fine

05/25/2012, 08:38 AM	#3
Faye Moved On Join Date: May 2011 Location: PA Posts: 411	Biology over technology.

05/25/2012, 08:53 AM	#5
bongarone Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: California Posts: 423	No! A skimmer does NOT replace biological filtration. In a reef tank and a FOWLR tank, the large quantity of porous rock takes care of all biological filtration. It's not that there's no filter in the tank, it's just that the filter is not in the form of a plastic box. I scanned through your previous posts and it looks like you have a canister filter and possibly a wet/dry. Do you have any live rock? Also, your title says your tank is 300 gallons but your post says 30 gallons. Which one is it? How much live rock do you have? Please post a list of your livestock and we can tell you how much rock you need in your tank. For the time being, do NOT remove your existing filters until we can better assess your situation.

05/25/2012, 11:31 AM	#7
Michigan Mike Freedom costs a buckofive Join Date: May 2012 Location: Michigan Posts: 3,002	Besides a lot of live rock and good circulation, a skimmer is all you COULD need. So how much rock and livestock and what dimensions of your tank is a good start.