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

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

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Starkiller -86 - 6 years ago

You guys all sound the same like hillbilly’s lol

Zach Chauvin - 7 years ago

Is the tank at 1:58 a Nuvo 40g?

BulkReefSupplyCom - 7 years ago

Yep!

William Scarbrough - 7 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 - 7 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 - 7 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 - 7 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 - 7 years ago

STOP SHOUTING EVERYTHING

Abigail Idle - 7 years ago

What's a affordable skimmer that can go into the tank and it isn't to big for a 27 gallon?

BulkReefSupplyCom - 7 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 - 7 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 - 7 years ago

Is a skimmer necessary for a 500ltr FOWLR tank?

BulkReefSupplyCom - 7 years ago

It depends on how much you feed, but I would highly recommend it.

Ikky 786 - 8 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 - 8 years ago

It's hard to say no to a skimmer after you smell what comes out of it.

BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago

Lol, valid point Scott.

tombraider3586 - 8 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 - 8 years ago

What tank setup is at 1:49

BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago

That is a JBJ Rimless frag tank :)

Cgarcia5410 - 8 years ago

Its true that invertebrates like seastars are warmfull for fish in a nano aquarium

BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago

Some serpent and brittlestars can attack sleeping fish, specifically Green Brittle Stars, but they are the exception and not the rule.

fourspoons - 8 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 - 8 years ago

Just a small 25g nano for now!

BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago

Nice! What size tank are you running?

Sunil George - 8 years ago

I thought for sure you would say yes so you could get more money

BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago

Samuel Pulis - 8 years ago

Its so weird coz ur voice sounds just like the other dudes

BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago

Jose Tufino - 8 years ago

What are some ways I can Remove asterina star fish and how to fight off aptaisias

Tbomb - 8 years ago

Is a media reactor (like phosphate reactor) on a nano reef tank?

BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 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 - 8 years ago

is it important to have one on the nano reef tank?

BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago

Yup, exactly. It's simply a reactor that you can run filter media in. :)

NanoReef Drop - 8 years ago

I've only seen good things with running a skimmer on my nanos

NanoReef Drop - 8 years ago

I do see harm in not running one in my nano though haha

BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 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 - 8 years ago

lol where's the other guy who used to talk funny ?

BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago

He's on paternity leave with his new-born son. He'll be back in the not too distant future.

JaguarGod087 - 8 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 - 8 years ago

Yea bro =^,^=

BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago

Thanks, I could really go for a nice tall glass of ice cold coke right now.

Ocean Mariee - 8 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 - 8 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 - 8 years ago

+BulkReefSupplyCom :D

BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago

Very true, plus DIY is fun :)

Socal Sean - 8 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 - 8 years ago

Fair enough :)

BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago

Haha, thanks as always :D

Cjx0r - 8 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 - 8 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 - 8 years ago

Water changes are great for my nano plus i cuts down on the need to dose

BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago

Indeed! They are multipurpose. :)

Keagan Wilson - 8 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 - 8 years ago

Cool!

Craig Miller - 8 years ago

Awesome, thanks for answering my question! Sold the Biocube but just picked up a Nuvo 10 !

BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 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 - 8 years ago

when is Ryan coming back? these videos are just repeating old videos without him....

BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago

Should be back in the next few weeks :)

chuckley54494 - 8 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 - 7 years ago

Which one u choose

Shekina Shalom - 7 years ago

which one do you have? im setting up a 29g too

BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago

Nice, which did you choose?

CheapSkateSimmer - 8 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 - 8 years ago

Tunze 9004 will fit in a IM 40g Fusion right?? Thanks for the great video btw!

BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago

Yup, it should fit. Thanks!

Mike La Compte - 8 years ago

Great video :)

BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago

Thanks, glad to hear you liked it!

guapodidier2099 - 8 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 - 8 years ago

Thanks for sharing :)

Lee and Mandy Battersby - 8 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 - 7 years ago

Also stay away from the Fluval PS2. Tiny and cheap but you get what you pay for.

chuckley54494 - 8 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 - 8 years ago

+Soe Min Paing thanks for the advice

Soe M Paing - 8 years ago

Stay away from ghost skimmer if you are still considering one. That thing is super loud.

Brandan Bowen - 8 years ago

What tank is at 2:02?

BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 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 - 8 years ago

+BulkReefSupplyCom
Skimmerless? Looks great!

BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago

That's a Nuvo Fusion 40 from Innovative Marine

eric j - 8 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 - 7 years ago

It aint efficient if it aint cheap

BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago

Good advice Eric :)

Kit Lane - 8 years ago

How much water change is recommend if you don't run a skimmer

BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 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 - 8 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 - 8 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 - 8 years ago

Depends on how much you feed and how large your tank is.

Askerne - 8 years ago

I world say about 10-20% each week

Gold Aquariums - 8 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 - 8 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 - 8 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 - 8 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 - 8 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 - 8 years ago

Hey when are we going to get back to the 52 weeks of the tank? Did the baby hatch yet?

BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago

It will be back shortly.

Matthew Redmond - 8 years ago

52ish weeks of reefing lol

BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago

Soon! Ryan has been away, but I would expect to see Week 48 in a week or two.

gord oland - 8 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 - 7 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 - 8 years ago

I tend to find myself in the school of water changes as well.

Gold Aquariums - 8 years ago

Do I need a protein skimmer on a fish only tank??

BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 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 - 8 years ago

+ASKERNE I am so sorry I meant coral only???

Askerne - 8 years ago

Skimmers are removing organic waste and it comes for the most from fish, so i would really recommend it.

BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago

Very nice!

Sayyid - 8 years ago

How about a 34g?

BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 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 - 8 years ago

you sound just like the other guy

Позитивный Arnar - 8 years ago

Cam J - 8 years ago

Love this series

BulkReefSupplyCom - 8 years ago

Thank's Cameron! Glad to hear you like it

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

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