Skimmer

[salt_waterlover]

My question is do I need a protein skimmer for this tank if they are the only three fish in there and I have the live rock and live sand. I have seem some places that say yes and others that say no. Any help would be great. I have a 100g tank and a filtration system, I plan on adding coral in the next couple of months. I'm just confused about skimmers in general..

 

[ringo®]

You don't "need" a skimmer. It's going to make life a whole lot easier though. You'll be doing water changes out the ying-yang without one.
I wouldn't run a tank without one, personally.

 

[salt_waterlover]

What type would you suggest? I've been looking at the Reef octopus 1000

 

[ringo®]

Reef Octopus makes a good skimmer. Which 1000 were you looking at (they make a couple)?

 

[salt_waterlover]

Bh-1000

 

[hiimsean]

RO are great skimmers. I have a SRO2000 I. My month old 90g, 110g total volume, with a hand full of corals and 2 fish pulling crud out. I'd recommend them. My only gripe is the footprint is very large.

 

[ringo®]

Reef Octopus and Deltec are the only ones I can think of off the top of my head that make a HOB skimmer for that size tank.

If it was me, I would skip all the HOB stuff and bite the bullet and get a sump and an in sump skimmer.

If you're mind is set on HOB equipment, that R.O. may be your best choice (Deltec's are a little spendy).

 

[salt_waterlover]

I would like to have a sump but that would require me to drill it so sump is out of the question.

Edit: I would like to have a sump but that would require me to drill it so sump is out of the question.

 

[ringo®]

It's not as tricky as it seems, but I understand.

 

[salt_waterlover]

Any suggestions on a site to buy or a store to get it from?

 

[ringo®]

I know Atlanta Aquarium started carrying the R.O. line,not sure about the HOB's though. The Fish Store carries them as well (again, not sure about HOB). Maybe give them a call and see if they stock them. I'm sure someone else will chime in here as well.

 

[mikesmith34]

If you are going to be trying to keep corals successfully you will NEED a skimmer. Either now or after the aggravation. Read up on the subject and I think you will come to the same conclusion. You may even be able to find the things you need on here and save some $$$.

 

[salt_waterlover]

Thanks for the suggestions, I see how important it is.