FAQ #11: Is a skimmer necessary on a nano reef aquarium? | 52 FAQ

http://brs.li/int-skimmers Today on BRStv, we have another episode of BRS 52 FAQ where we answer all of your frequently asked reefing questions from our popular 52 Weeks of Reefing series. This week we are answering Craig Miller’s question from Week 17: “Is it worth putting a skimmer in a nano tank?” So follow along as we answer today's question, provide some helpful insight, and help make reefing just bit more fun and easy for you and your tank. *Legal Stuff* The purpose and content of this video is to provide general information regarding the products and their applications as presented in the video. Aquatic sales solutions, inc. And its officers, directors, employees and agents disclaim all express or implied warranties, in any way, related to the products and their application as presented in this video, make no representation or warranty regarding the products and the application as presented in this video and shall not be liable for any direct or indirect losses or damages of any type, including but not limited to punitive damages, or from personal injury or death resulting from or in any manner related to the video, and the products in and contents of the video. The viewer expressly agrees that aquatic sales solutions, inc. And its officers, directors, employees and agents shall not be liable for any damages or losses related to the products in and content of the video and hereby agrees to hold the foregoing harmless from any such losses or damages.

FAQ #11: Is a skimmer necessary on a nano reef aquarium? | 52 FAQ sentiment_very_dissatisfied 12

Reef tank 7 years ago 43,602 views

http://brs.li/int-skimmers Today on BRStv, we have another episode of BRS 52 FAQ where we answer all of your frequently asked reefing questions from our popular 52 Weeks of Reefing series. This week we are answering Craig Miller’s question from Week 17: “Is it worth putting a skimmer in a nano tank?” So follow along as we answer today's question, provide some helpful insight, and help make reefing just bit more fun and easy for you and your tank. *Legal Stuff* The purpose and content of this video is to provide general information regarding the products and their applications as presented in the video. Aquatic sales solutions, inc. And its officers, directors, employees and agents disclaim all express or implied warranties, in any way, related to the products and their application as presented in this video, make no representation or warranty regarding the products and the application as presented in this video and shall not be liable for any direct or indirect losses or damages of any type, including but not limited to punitive damages, or from personal injury or death resulting from or in any manner related to the video, and the products in and contents of the video. The viewer expressly agrees that aquatic sales solutions, inc. And its officers, directors, employees and agents shall not be liable for any damages or losses related to the products in and content of the video and hereby agrees to hold the foregoing harmless from any such losses or damages.

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Most popular comments
for FAQ #11: Is a skimmer necessary on a nano reef aquarium? | 52 FAQ

Starkiller -86
Starkiller -86 - 6 years ago
You guys all sound the same like hillbilly’s lol
Zach Chauvin
Zach Chauvin - 6 years ago
Is the tank at 1:58 a Nuvo 40g?
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 6 years ago
Yep!
William Scarbrough
William Scarbrough - 6 years ago
I do both weekly water changes as well as run an Aqua C Remora skimmer on my 36 gallon bow. You may not get the amount of skimmate that you would in a larger tank but there is still dissolved organics and proteins that will accumulate over time even with water changes. This is by no means a cheap hobby or investment and I'd much rather err on the side of caution than to have to fix a costly mess later.
um02122
um02122 - 6 years ago
I think an important point when answering the question "Do I need a skimmer?" is to make sure that bacterial dosing is not used as an export method. This is, if you're running biopellets, dose DrTimsWasteAway, EA PureReefBallance, JBL BioNitratEx, RedSea NoPoX etc. you'll end up with a lot of bacterial slime and poor results. Bacterial dosing works by skimming away the extra bacterial mass after it feeds on nutrients.

Additionally, a protein skimmer will ensure good oxygenation in a small volume as the nano systems entail. I am running a protein skimmer on my 10G quarantine tank without ever emptying the cup - it produces about 1ml of skimmate a month with the current setting, plus added layers of sludge on the neck. What it does is to allow me to run an air stone in a saltwater environment without producing tons of air bubbles breaking at the surface and the resulting salt creep.

Hope this helps and is accurate.
um02122
um02122 - 6 years ago
BulkReefSupplyCom You're welcome, I've learned a lot watching your videos and I can see that you've got a wonderful business model, educating the customer and reefer fellow, too bad I live in the UK and cannot benefit more.

I'm very familiar with Dr. Tims products as I've been introduced early in the hobby to them via Mark Callahan/ MrSaltwaterTank.

I'm a doctor myself (human doctor) and a big fan of BRS TV. Keep up the good work!
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 6 years ago
A great response! Thank you. After the lecture we had Dr. Tim provide us last week, it seems you're spot on with your understanding! :-)
El Gringo
El Gringo - 6 years ago
STOP SHOUTING EVERYTHING
Abigail Idle
Abigail Idle - 6 years ago
What's a affordable skimmer that can go into the tank and it isn't to big for a 27 gallon?
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 6 years ago
Although you don't necessarily need one for a small tank, there are some available that are less obtrusive. I like the Innovative Marine Ghost skimmers, which seem to be the most space saving available on our site! :-)
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 6 years ago
+Patrick Tan I haven't personally set that one up nor is anyone running one currently here at BRS, but I bet there are some users on the reef hobbyist forums like Reef2Reef.com and ReefCentral.com who have posted their experiences. ;-)
Guy Green
Guy Green - 7 years ago
Is a skimmer necessary for a 500ltr FOWLR tank?
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 7 years ago
It depends on how much you feed, but I would highly recommend it.
Ikky 786
Ikky 786 - 7 years ago
I have a 2ft by 1.5foot tank not sure in the size off gallon etc, so I need. Protein skimmer ? I do weekly water changes?

10. comment for FAQ #11: Is a skimmer necessary on a nano reef aquarium? | 52 FAQ

Scott Campbell
Scott Campbell - 7 years ago
It's hard to say no to a skimmer after you smell what comes out of it.
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 7 years ago
Lol, valid point Scott.
tombraider3586
tombraider3586 - 7 years ago
I have never used any skimmer for 6 years I just use phoszorb, GAC ... recently I have added purigen and hydra depurator and my softies seem to thrive they open fully and doesn't look ill.
Tristan Sinclair
Tristan Sinclair - 7 years ago
What tank setup is at 1:49
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 7 years ago
That is a JBJ Rimless frag tank :)
Cgarcia5410
Cgarcia5410 - 7 years ago
Its true that invertebrates like seastars are warmfull for fish in a nano aquarium
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 7 years ago
Some serpent and brittlestars can attack sleeping fish, specifically Green Brittle Stars, but they are the exception and not the rule.
fourspoons
fourspoons - 7 years ago
Thanks for doing this video. I am setting up a nano reef at the moment and trying to decide if I can do away with the noisy skimmer that came with the tank. You've given me the confidence to go without it and keep up with the water changes instead. Maybe use the space in the sump for a small reactor instead.....
fourspoons
fourspoons - 7 years ago
Just a small 25g nano for now!
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 7 years ago
Nice! What size tank are you running?
Sunil George
Sunil George - 7 years ago
I thought for sure you would say yes so you could get more money
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 7 years ago
:P
Samuel Pulis
Samuel Pulis - 7 years ago
Its so weird coz ur voice sounds just like the other dudes
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 7 years ago
:P
Jose Tufino
Jose Tufino - 7 years ago
What are some ways I can Remove asterina star fish and how to fight off aptaisias
Tbomb
Tbomb - 7 years ago
Is a media reactor (like phosphate reactor) on a nano reef tank?
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 7 years ago
It's certainly not a necessity, but it can make maintenance a bit easier (assuming you are putting GFO in the reactor). I would probably stick with water changes personally, but there wouldn't be harm in adding one to the tank if you had trouble maintaining a low level of phosphate.
Tbomb
Tbomb - 7 years ago
is it important to have one on the nano reef tank?
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 7 years ago
Yup, exactly. It's simply a reactor that you can run filter media in. :)
NanoReef Drop
NanoReef Drop - 7 years ago
I've only seen good things with running a skimmer on my nanos
NanoReef Drop
NanoReef Drop - 7 years ago
I do see harm in not running one in my nano though haha
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 7 years ago
Certainly no harm in running them! :)

20. comment for FAQ #11: Is a skimmer necessary on a nano reef aquarium? | 52 FAQ

Mandar Loke
Mandar Loke - 7 years ago
lol where's the other guy who used to talk funny ?
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 7 years ago
He's on paternity leave with his new-born son. He'll be back in the not too distant future.
JaguarGod087
JaguarGod087 - 7 years ago
Yea know...This new guy has really made a big impression on me. I have enjoyed drinking beers,smoking weed, and doing coke to these latest vids. I think the new guy adds a fresh vibe, and he talks about niche topics. I love this video even before I watched it. I wondered about my use of a protein skimmer in a nano. I check brs, and there is a video talkin about it. FanFUCKINTastic!
JaguarGod087
JaguarGod087 - 7 years ago
Yea bro =^,^=
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 7 years ago
Thanks, I could really go for a nice tall glass of ice cold coke right now.
Ocean Mariee
Ocean Mariee - 7 years ago
The AquaTop PFUV Elite Series Power Filters have built-in UV and surface skimmer. Most reefs don't run a traditional HOB filter, but a filter like this would be good for a smaller tank like a nano. Every little bit helps, with water changes of course.
Josh's Aquatics & Railroad Videos
Josh's Aquatics & Railroad Videos - 7 years ago
If I ever run a large tank, I'll probably buy a skimmer. But for a nano tank, I prefer to either not run one, or to make my own. It's really not hard to do if you have an air pump and a few water bottles.
Josh's Aquatics & Railroad Videos
Josh's Aquatics & Railroad Videos - 7 years ago
+BulkReefSupplyCom :D
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 7 years ago
Very true, plus DIY is fun :)
Socal Sean
Socal Sean - 7 years ago
I fitted a Tunze 9004 in my JBJ 45
I would not set up a tank with out a skimmer regardless of size
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 7 years ago
Fair enough :)
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 7 years ago
Haha, thanks as always :D
Cjx0r
Cjx0r - 7 years ago
Like this series! It's really been tying up all the "loose end questions" I had with the hobby.

I always wanted to ask which parameters were worth buying digital checkers for and which could afford to be performed with cheaper test kits? As in the most economical, yet precise testing protocol that can still fit most budgets.
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 7 years ago
Good question! My favorite checkers to use are the Alk and the PO4. They are both quick and accurate. For the remainder of the tests I like a mix of Salifert and Red Sea.
Dee From Brooklyn
Dee From Brooklyn - 7 years ago
Water changes are great for my nano plus i cuts down on the need to dose
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 7 years ago
Indeed! They are multipurpose. :)
Keagan Wilson
Keagan Wilson - 7 years ago
I use a cpr in sump protein skimmer on my bio use 29 and I works awesome it even skins algae which is wired
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 7 years ago
Cool!
Craig Miller
Craig Miller - 7 years ago
Awesome, thanks for answering my question! Sold the Biocube but just picked up a Nuvo 10 !
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 7 years ago
Sweet! No problem Craig, thanks for asking it!

30. comment for FAQ #11: Is a skimmer necessary on a nano reef aquarium? | 52 FAQ

David Rael
David Rael - 7 years ago
when is Ryan coming back? these videos are just repeating old videos without him....
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 7 years ago
Should be back in the next few weeks :)
chuckley54494
chuckley54494 - 7 years ago
i run a skimmer in a 29g nano cube and it works great. it helps for when you cant do a water change every week.
Ray Cruz
Ray Cruz - 6 years ago
Which one u choose
Shekina Shalom
Shekina Shalom - 6 years ago
which one do you have? im setting up a 29g too
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 7 years ago
Nice, which did you choose?
CheapSkateSimmer
CheapSkateSimmer - 7 years ago
I've considered a skimmer for my Fusion 20 but I do about a 25-33% water change every 2-3 weeks.
Mario Hernandez
Mario Hernandez - 7 years ago
Tunze 9004 will fit in a IM 40g Fusion right?? Thanks for the great video btw!
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 7 years ago
Yup, it should fit. Thanks!
Mike La Compte
Mike La Compte - 7 years ago
Great video :)
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 7 years ago
Thanks, glad to hear you liked it!
guapodidier2099
guapodidier2099 - 7 years ago
im not agree, 'cuz in a nano tank the waste , food, fish, and corals, changes the water chemistry in a second, is better have one than no one..
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 7 years ago
Thanks for sharing :)
Lee and Mandy Battersby
Lee and Mandy Battersby - 7 years ago
Great video I am thinking of setting up a nano tank for my bedroom and wasn't sure if I was going to add a skimmer
William Scarbrough
William Scarbrough - 6 years ago
Also stay away from the Fluval PS2. Tiny and cheap but you get what you pay for.
chuckley54494
chuckley54494 - 7 years ago
i got one from dr foster and smith that uses a stone. they are 10 bucks for 2 and last about 2 months each. the air pump that comes with it is garbage and loud so i got a silent one for 25 bucks which doubled the price of the thing but was well worth it
Lee and Mandy Battersby
Lee and Mandy Battersby - 7 years ago
+Soe Min Paing thanks for the advice
Soe M Paing
Soe M Paing - 7 years ago
Stay away from ghost skimmer if you are still considering one. That thing is super loud.
Brandan Bowen
Brandan Bowen - 7 years ago
What tank is at 2:02?
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 7 years ago
At some point Josh did add an Innovative Marine Ghost skimmer to the back chamber, but I think this footage was from before that.
Brandan Bowen
Brandan Bowen - 7 years ago
+BulkReefSupplyCom
Skimmerless? Looks great!
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 7 years ago
That's a Nuvo Fusion 40 from Innovative Marine
eric j
eric j - 7 years ago
water changes are the most efficient way to maintain water quality, with that said I recommend a skimmer for added benefit of having more ways to maintain your parameters the better,because I small volumes of water will turn bad faster than say 100 gallons.
David Sitompul
David Sitompul - 6 years ago
It aint efficient if it aint cheap
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 7 years ago
Good advice Eric :)
Kit Lane
Kit Lane - 7 years ago
How much water change is recommend if you don't run a skimmer
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 7 years ago
It depends on a lot of factors that some folks have shared here. A good rule of thumb is to shoot for 40 or so percent changed every month. Maybe that is bi-weekly 20% changes, weekly 10% changes, etc.
Mike La Compte
Mike La Compte - 7 years ago
I have read that the rule of thumb is 5% water volume for weekly water changes and 10% water volume for bi-week water changes. So if you have a 10 gallon tank, half a gallon once a week or one gallon every two weeks. However this would be adjusted to fit what you have living in the tank. Higher bio load will require a greater water volume. I use the rule of thumb as a minimum amount. With my bio load and the variety of corals I have, I do 10% weekly water changes.
Kit Lane
Kit Lane - 7 years ago
+DarkSky I have a 33g long with 6 little fish. I spot feed once a day and broadcast feed corals with frenzy once a week. I run 2 aquaclear 50 and a medium aquafuge for filtration
DarkSky
DarkSky - 7 years ago
Depends on how much you feed and how large your tank is.
Askerne
Askerne - 7 years ago
I world say about 10-20% each week
Gold Aquariums
Gold Aquariums - 7 years ago
+BulkReefSupply for in two weeks question. What size tank is best for a frag tank and what is the best first coral to frag
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 7 years ago
Good question! Blake pretty much nailed it. I would recommend asking this question on one of our 52 Weeks of Reefing videos :)
Gold Aquariums
Gold Aquariums - 7 years ago
+Blake Graumann I think I am then going custom. Tanks here is very expensive!!! And on a custom I can go shallow. Thanks bud. But can BRS still maybe do I video about this. I don't want this into my main display though.
Blake Graumann
Blake Graumann - 7 years ago
i know you asked BRS but personally if its going to be tied into your main display tank and sump you could go with anything, although i would suggest something with a larger foot print and a shorter Height. the lower the water level the less expensive lights you will require to get the par you want. Not sure whats available in South Africa for aquariums but like a 50 long or even a 20 long would work, or if you are going custom then maybe something thats like 6 inchs call and like 4 foot by 2 foot. could be lit by a few inexpensive LED's or even a low bulb count t5 setup, and should be deep enough to put a few power heads in.

If the tank is going to be stand alone maybe a 40 breader setup?
Gold Aquariums
Gold Aquariums - 7 years ago
Please try and so that for me as I really want to have one. I am in South Africa and you guys are like the only to help me!!!!
Mike B
Mike B - 7 years ago
Hey when are we going to get back to the 52 weeks of the tank? Did the baby hatch yet?
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 7 years ago
It will be back shortly.
Matthew Redmond
Matthew Redmond - 7 years ago
52ish weeks of reefing lol
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 7 years ago
Soon! Ryan has been away, but I would expect to see Week 48 in a week or two.
gord oland
gord oland - 7 years ago
Many Nano skimmers have horrible reliability and some of the HOB kind can leak. Just check out the reviews people give them on online sites that allow comments. IMO not worth it for a Nano when you can just put the money towards more salt for water changes. Water changes on a nano are so easy.
William Scarbrough
William Scarbrough - 6 years ago
I prefer both. If a skimmer picks up anything that means the water changes alone aren't enough and regardless of water changes waste is cumulative. I'm sort of in between with tanks size though at 36 gals. I do agree some of the HOB model skimmers can leak and some are just outright junk but there are a few tried and true that have been around for quite a while for more than one reason.
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 7 years ago
I tend to find myself in the school of water changes as well.
Gold Aquariums
Gold Aquariums - 7 years ago
Do I need a protein skimmer on a fish only tank??
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 7 years ago
It depends on the size of the tank and your feeding habits, but I would recommend doing so on anything larger than around 30-40 gallons. Like I said though, your mileage may vary :)
Gold Aquariums
Gold Aquariums - 7 years ago
+ASKERNE I am so sorry I meant coral only???
Askerne
Askerne - 7 years ago
Skimmers are removing organic waste and it comes for the most from fish, so i would really recommend it.
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 7 years ago
Very nice!
Sayyid
Sayyid - 7 years ago
How about a 34g?
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 7 years ago
It depends on your feeding habits and the tank itself, but honestly you most likely could maintain that tank with weekly water changes.
Tim Chambers
Tim Chambers - 7 years ago
you sound just like the other guy
Позитивный Arnar
Позитивный Arnar - 7 years ago
2
Cam J
Cam J - 7 years ago
Love this series
BulkReefSupplyCom
BulkReefSupplyCom - 7 years ago
Thank's Cameron! Glad to hear you like it

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