Parents Going Christmas Shopping Tomorrow..HELP

Ok so I've been researching and Christmas is a great time to get free stuff.. so.. this is the decision that is going to make or break my idea of setting up a saltwater aquarium.

On a 20 gallon long is a protein skimmer absolutely necessary?

 

Some say no I say yes I would use a hang on filter with a skimmer built in like a CPR Backpack 2

CPR AQUATIC, INC - BAK-PAK™ 2

 

Under what conditions could I get away with not having one...

Regular frequent filter cleanings?
Regular frequent water changes?

 

Under what conditions could I get away with not having one...

not many fish - Bio-load
I dont run a skimmer in my 55gl but I would not be suggesting it to anyone as they are very benificial ito a system
To answre your Q we need to know what you want to keep FOWLR or REEF/FISH

 

At first I plan to do FOWLR..2 clownfish probably...then as I get the hang of things probably some corals..and eventually I'd like to have an anemone to host the clownfish.

 

I would not without one, they skim out waste and other junk which will help with nitrates, algae and other problems. You can get a little HOB one or something.

 

skimmers are the bomb wouldn't do without. But if that is all from keeping your tank just get a really cheepy and then upgrade later.

 

Both.. I have had a 20 long frag tank with 2 Clowns and a fire fish in it for almost a year. I keep everything from Zoa's, Zennia, Montis, Birdsnest, Mushrooms and many other frags in it. I am running a Foster and Smith HOB Filter which has a surface skimming set up on it, 1 Maxi Jet 600 and a 4 lamp 24" T5 Diy light. All this and no skimmer at all......

 

I have a rio nano skimmer on my 5.5... and always will...

 

How do you like the Rio?? I read some reviews and some were good and some were bad...I really like the price though.