Protein Skimmer Necessary?

[boarderguy64]

Well, this is my first post in here, as well as my first question. So, thanks in advance

I currently have 30gal fowlr tank, its been up now for about two months. my specs are as follows:
30gal fowlr tank
20 lbs cured live rock
millenium 2000 poer filter (link)
http/www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem.asp...S3113&ast=&key=

fish:
1 maroon clown
1 lemonpeel angel
and 2 green chromis

my question has to do with protein skimmers. I have been told anything and everyhting about them, they are a waste of money, they are an absolute necessity, blah blah.

so id like some advise is a protein skimmer is a good idea for my system,as well assome reccomendations on models

i had this one in mind. the cpr bakpak 2 (link)
http/www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod...04+113771+22737

any thoughts would be appreciated.
thanks

also, heres some pics of the setup
thanks

 

[bunjiweb]

Personally i would have a skimmer. It saves on water changes and can help if anything major dies or crashes in your tank.

That one you've linked to looks like a good enough hang-on skimmer...

Ben

 

[boarderguy64]

any others that you could recommend?

 

[crazyelece]

For Hang on I'd recommend the coralife brand, I use them and they work well for the price. Also your tank seems a little sparce on live rock I'd add a few more quality pieces.

 

[boarderguy64]

ok ill add another 5 pounds when i can afford it. the lfs said 20 lbs for a 30 gal tank should suffice.

 

[steelhealr]

Protein skimmers on a nano tank are controversial, however, IMO, 30G I would skim. I side with bunjiweb on this one. I also agree that you are light on LR. In a 30 you should have at least 40lbs IMO. SH

 

[Opcn]

Mechanical filtration and protien skimming in particular can out compete many filter feeders in your tank, however considering that you do not have a reef tank I would say that a protein skimmer would be a good idea. Backpacks are said to produce lots of bubbles in your tank and whatever you do do not get a skilter, I've heard the noise they produce likened to an "alley cat being raped by a horse"

 

[boarderguy64]

i forgot to mention that all the substrate is live sand. if that makes any difference.
im taking it that the majority thinks i should add a protein skimmer as well as more cured live rock?

 

[Chac]

Live sand makes no difference to the qty of LR you need

IMO you should be adding a skimmer & have the right amount of LR for you biofiltration

 

[Aquascaper]

I personally haven't skimmed my 160g setup for well over 6 months and only done 2 water changes in that time, my parameters are all pretty spot on (nitrates and phosphates up atm due to tap water usage for top-off). Just wantede to give another side to the story

 

[steelhealr]

Personally, I don't recommend the above posted method. SH

 

[Opcn]

RODI is deffinitely the preffered method for topup

 

[boarderguy64]

anyone have a favorite hang on skimmer? all opinoins are welcome.

 

[Chac]

UK or US

UK I would recommed the Deltec MCE 600 Cracking Skimmer



But for a 30g I would say a Aquamedic Biostar Flotor would do a great job

 

[boarderguy64]

ive been doing a bunch more research, and lots of people seem to like this skimmer.

http/www.marinedepot.com/md_viewI...?idproduct=ACRM

anyone have any experience? thoughts? horror stories?

thanks