can you just have a protien skimmer as main filtration

Sorry I didn't address your question, Mr Bannano. There's no right or wrong answer to your question, only answers based on folks' experiences. I once relied on a skimmer and live rock as my only filtration, and over time I accumulated more detritus than I would have wanted. I find it's best to have some form of additional mechanical filtration in addition to the skimmer and LR; such as filter floss in a wet/dry or a filter sock.

As for the light, I've not heard a lot of good things about Odyssea lighting products. If you could afford it, I'd wait and get something better. You're in a good position to wait for now, as your tank is cycling and you probably have a good 10 weeks.

 

A protein skimmer is not chemical filtration it is mechanical.
Chemical filtration is using a substance such as carbon or an absorbing agent.
Biological is bacteria converting.

What is Chemical Filtration?

 

Carbon is A form, not the only form.

I see your wise geek, and raise you a Wiki.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protein_skimmer

 

Can't get that link to work. Not sure what u mean about carbon not being the only chemical filtration .... I said carbon or other substance.

 

I fixed the link. And you're right... I just read it differently.

I just meant chemical filtration is anything that uses chemical properties of a substance to manipulate it. In this case, the chemical properties of disolved organic substances. Absorption and adsorbtion are chemical processes.

 

Coarse and Fine particles are "mechanics"? Give me a specific example please? And explain how the filter filters it out.

RO Membranes are a type of "mechanical filter" just as the oil filter on your car is a mechanical filter.

 

This thread went off topic somewhat......