Is a skimmer an absolute must?

don't skimp on the skimmer. Thought I could do without on my 36 but once I added it it made the world of diffrence.

 

You can, honestly, do anything you want. There are soooooo many ways to keep an aquarium it's just flat out nuts. I have heard of people keeping an tank that is over 75g without a skimmer.

But just because it is possible, doesn't make success probable (or relative success). You will just flat out have to work more.....paying attention to parameters, doing more water changes. Being extra careful with feedings. You won't be able to keep anything more than light to moderate stocking IMO without jeopardizing your operation.

I even bought a POS (Piece of Junk) skimmer for my 10g, because I wanted the inhabitants to be as comfortable as possible. If they are comfortable, my work load is significantly decreased I figure. Win-win situation.

So, IMHO, you should skim a 55g. Here are my top three recommendations for good HOB skimmers in my order of preference.

**Aqua Medic Turbo Flotor 1000 Multi SL
**AquaC Remora Pro
**Octopus BH-100F

Rock on and Peace.......John.

 

Yes def get a good one and skim!! Listen to these guys (Pharmr and 10acre) they give great advice. I would say you'd be ok without one for a month, then you want one.. especially when you have livestock. It WILL help cut down on alot of maintenance.. I honestly stopped testing as much when I got mine. I also don't worry bout overfeeding as much! I use an AquaC = Maintenance free!!

 

Oh yeah....while cycling, no skimming. Great point. And yup, Aqua C brand of skimmer is a winner. No doubt.

 

Copied and pasted from www.saltwater.com


Do I Really Need a Protein Skimmer?
Although protein skimmers are pretty simple conceptually, they can get a bit pricey. When setting up a new aquarium, there are many different accessories that can be added and most people don't want to spend the money to get every possible add-on right off the bat. So, naturally, you want to know just how essential each accessory is.
Protein skimming is not absolutely essential, but it is close. You will be able to keep fish alive in your tank without it, but it certainly won't be an ideal environment. It's kind of like getting a hamster, but not cleaning its cage. It will live for a good while, but it will be constantly immersed in its own waste and that will gradually take its toll. If you can't afford one right away, consider waiting a little longer and saving up a little extra money to get yourself a protein skimmer. Once you have it running and you see the brown scum that it collects from your water, you'll understand why you needed it.

 

yes it helps, your posts have been REALLY informational, they really helped. (talking to aqualung)

 

Also, i dont have a sump so yea. I want to go as cheap as possible, correction, i have to go as cheap as possible, you don't make alot of dough at 13. Maybe i can get one for my b-day in may, what type of HOB skimmer would you recommend that is $200 or less?

 

Very well put. I had read this before too. I cuean my pm skimmer every few days and the stuff it pulls out it to put it nicely is gross. And spels like spring flowers haha. I agree there are is some great advice here. I leaned that there are 2 things you really dont skimp on and that is skimmer and lights. Filters are important to but are easy to find a good one that will work with any tank. I say after 30 days you should skim too.

 

a skimmer will make the biggest difference of any of the equipment you could possible buy for a FOWLR. you wont really need for the first couple months, if you stocking at a reasonable pace.

also i don't know if the rectangular trigger is going into this tank or not, but it gets a foot long so in the future you will either need a 100 gallon tank or it will need to go back for credit.

 

in i book i am reading currently, it says they only get 9". and yes, this will be his future home