Maybe a couple dumb questions, BUT....

DO I really need a Protein Skimmer on a 45usgal (175L) FOWLR? What is the main purpose of a PS.

Is it safe to use Nutrafin Cycle? Picked some up at LFS yesterday (not my work) and the guy working said it was safe. This is a quote from the bottle.. "Immediately establishes safe biological aquarium environment, Powerful responsive ammonia and Nitrite elimination, Allows for Immediate introduction of fish, Safe for fresh and saltwater use."

ALSO, I am having a blond moment, but if my Hydrometer reads below the green area, do I need to add more salt, or add more water to dilute it a bit? I am forgetful

 

Hope this helps

 

Theres all sorts of debates about skimmers, you don't need one but its nice to have, if you don't have one your going to have to do more water changes. And as for the hydrometer question its probably add more salt, it has to say salinity on there somewhere whats the reading currently. And personally I'm not a fan of using chemicals where nature could do the process by itself, and probably better in the long run. Just throw a piece of raw shrimp in there, or a damsel and wait a week or two. Salt water tanks are all about patience.

 

Hello Katrina

do you need a protien skimmer - no, but its a great thing to have
a protien skimmer removes waste and thus takes pressure of your biological filter
it removes protiens before they go through the nitrogen cycle

Cycle safe to use it - sure - but not required , and if you stock fish to many to quickly immediately after using it, the MFG will not accept any claim for the loss of any fish!


if it sits to high - it means your salinity is to high - but check the numbers not just the green colour - aim for 1.023- 1.024 for a FOWLR IMO

Steve