Skimmer Necessary?????

[reefmonster]

If I have a 28 gallon tank(only about 18 gallons of water)is it really necessary to use a skimmer if I am doing 5 gallon water changes every week like clockwork, my bioload is going to be no more than 5 or 6 small fish. Just wanted to get some input on if what I am doing will suffice or if a skimmer is needed and yor reasons why. Thanks, Joe

 

[grouper therapy]

I don't think so if you are that disciplined with water changes

 

[smallblock]

might wanna get a little cheap surface skimmer, my bros 65 wasnt rr and it developed alot of stuff on the surface that i would have to remove. Just what happend to me

 

[reefmonster]

Smallblock;554044 wrote: might wanna get a little cheap surface skimmer, my bros 65 wasnt rr and it developed alot of stuff on the surface that i would have to remove. Just what happend to me

It is the JBJ 28 HQI, so I guess it is skimming the surface through the back overflow.

 

[smallblock]

reefmonster;554046 wrote: It is the JBJ 28 HQI, so I guess it is skimming the surface through the back overflow.

You are correct

 

[jmaneyapanda]

In my own personal opinion, I would never run a marine aquarium of any size, with any bioload, for any reason, without a protein skimmer. Just my personal experience.

 

[jet_pilot]

reefmonster;554046 wrote: It is the JBJ 28 HQI, so I guess it is skimming the surface through the back overflow.

My JBJ 28 HQI came with a skimmer when I bought it new.

 

[jennm]

On smaller tanks, absolutely necessary? Not in my opinion. Recommended? Yes.

Ultimately, your water quality will dictate. If you're good about water changes and watching your parameters, you should be able to maintain excellent water quality without a skimmer. Having one just makes the job that much easier.

Jenn

 

[hackman72]

For fear of being blasted, I'll just say a skimmer isn't totally necesary. The biggest thing is finding harmonic balance within the tank itself. I quit using a skimmer...among other things. My tank is a much happier place now.