Is a skimmer necessary

For a 20G with 30lbs of live rock?

 

i would for sure

 

I know multiple people that have up to a 120gal tank without a skimmer and they have success with both coral and fish. Personally I'd invest in one tho. Even if it's a small, cheap one, Sea Clone 100. It would be a sort of insurance for ur tank's health and prosperity.

 

I see on your signature thingy that you use a seaclone 100. What size tank do you use that for? Also its says "modified" what does that entail? lol

 

I have Modded seaclones on 2 of my tanks a 55gal and a 60gal
Although the SeaClone is looked down upon, I think that as long as you modify it, it's excellent for what it's worth.. Aprox $80.00 bucks
her's the link on how to modify em for better production.
http://www.3reef.com/forums/protein-skimmers/how-mod-sea-clone-55998.html

 

A skimmer is a MUST in my opinion for that size of tank, look on marinedepot for the aqua c remora with the MaxiJet 1200, I use it and it is starting to get some good skimmate finally, about 180 bucks or so, shipping will be more of course.

 

wait, nevermind, shipping on their site is free over 175 bucks, you would be good to go, and they don't tax internet orders which is really nice.

 

aquac remora is fabulous

 

On a 20 gallon tank you can maintain water quality with water changes alone. 10% weekly or bi-weekly water changes will do as long as you do not overstock the tank. You can mod an aqua clear 70 to hold cheato as a nutrient exporter.

 

don't really recommend doing this, overstocking is something that does happen pretty frequently, and having a skimmer will take care of some nutrients in the tank as well that can lead to algae problems if your tank is too nutrient rich.. and water changes are more a hassel in the long run if you have to do it more frequently than spending a amount of money on a skimmer.. especially if you are new to the hobby, i strongly suggest getting a skimmer