Do I need a Protein Skimmer

Hello, I currently have a 55gallon fish tank that will be going coral/invert plus fish. It has a Megaflow Model 2 Sump about 10gallons or so on it. I will be also adding a refugium to it. Will I need a protein skimmer? I plan on putting some Amphipods, Copepods and isopods along with Chaetomorpha and Feather Caulerpa Macro Algae in the sump. Then I plan on putting about 3inch of sand, some other kinds of Macro Algae in the refugium along with a light and maybe a fish in it. Any suggestions on what i can do to get by not using one very much appreciated. Thanks

 

Technically, you don't need a skimmer. If your bioload is going to be just one fish, I would say you should be alright. If the bioload gets larger, however, then a skimmer will be adviseable!!!
One of the local pet shops has a nano tank skimmer free and it is doing very well!
With proper water changes, fair amount of live rock, deep sand bed and good water flow and of course the right water parameters-that will go along way in the success of your tank.
Don't forget to focus some attention on lighting for your tank...that will be crucial depending on the type of corals and Tridacna's you want to keep!

 

I agree with coral reefer, supposably you dont, but if the ocean has one, then i think we should!!!

 

IMO
Yes
There is no real down side to having a good skimmer.
There are multiple down sides in not having one.
nuff said.

 

+1

Marc.

 

Yeah, thanks guys. I just didn't want to put copepods in my refugium. I wanted to kinda display the refugium.

 

Think of it this way...In nature-waves are an integral part of our reefs and oceans. Have you ever seen the frothy white bubble mixture washed up on the shores of our oceans? that is detritus etc. caused by the waves continuous pounding of water and sand etc.below-that is the oceans natural protein skimmer jus like the unwanted waste collected in our skimmers each and every day. To look at the stuff that our skimmers remove from our tanks day in and day out, you would be amazed at what is in your water-released from corals fish and inverts(detritus, decay, gametes,respiration/gas exchange etc.)!!!!!!!You will also want to run out and pick up a skimmer quickly as that waste collecting in your tank will break down oxygen and consume it, therby hindering its ability of maintaining wate/oxygen level at the saturation level(allows gas exchange across the water's surface)!!!!!