Thinking about picking up a protein skimmer

I will have a 30 gallon nuvo tank and I was wondering if you think it would be a good idea to pick one up. I have heard they make a world of difference. If so what brand do you recomend and how much can i expect to spend on one

 

any thoughts about it would be helpful

 

"A world of difference" is highly debatable; Some wouldn't run a SW tank without a skimmer, but others do so very successfully. I would say it's never a bad idea, but not always necessary. You'll see a bigger advantage if you have a moderate to heavy fish stocking along with SPS corals, but one may modestly reduce water changes in other systems, as well.

Tunze and Hydor are two big names in nano skimmers; you can expect to pay roughly $130 - $160 for one.

Hope this helps.

 

I am deifinatley a huge skimmer fan. I would not run a SW tank without one. I think they are key to success and good water quality. I also think this, along with lights is one place to spend the money and get a good one. I use Reef Octopus skimmers, and am really happy with them. In the past I have had Coralife, sea clone, and marineland skimmers. I would personally avoid all of these...the Coralife skimmer's air intake clogs way to easy (people say you can modify them...but....), sea clones just dont work very well overall, and the marineland in-sump ones are way too sensitive to sump water level...just my 2 cents.

 

Personally I wouldn't run a saltwater tank without one.. I have also never seen anyone run a tank without one so I can't say exactly how that works out.. Other than removing organics from the water column, which is ALOT, think of it as also oxygenating the water.. I would heavily recommend a skimmer

 

I personally use one on my 36 bow. Seeing what it pulls out, you will definitely be impressed. It will do nothing but make your tank better. I'm not sure if you have a sump, but if you dont, they make quality hob units

 

how often do you clean them

 

also whats the best way to clean them

 

I clean mine as needed, When it starts looking nasty I go ahead and clean it. It ends up being once every 2-3 months or so. My skimmer in particular comes apart 100%, so I just tank it apart and rinse everything and give it a scrubbing. If i feel its needed i could vinegar bath the pump, but so far I havent seen a reason to do so.

 

seems simple enough I guess