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Do I need a protein skimmer in my saltwater aquarium2007-11-24 23:11:16

Do I need a protein skimmer in my saltwater aquarium? I have a sump tank and live rocks, but everytime I blow off my rocks or stir up my crushed coral an opauqe cloudy dust gets stirred up and is not getting filtered probably because it's too small. Will a protein skimmer help, and if so what is the best type to get for a 35 gallon tank. Where is the best place to purchase one? Thanks.

Answers:

You should have a protein skimmer. Check out wetwebmedia.com. There are tons of articles on skimmers and filtration.

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They aren't 100% required, but they are good for what they do. The purpose of a skimmer is to remove dissolved organic material by using a fine column of bubbles. The molecules of the organic materials are attracted to the bubbles and moved up the column and deposited in a collection cup which you empty periodically. This keeps th ammonia, nitrite, and nitate in the water lower, so they're a plus for reef tanks which should have low nutrient levels.

If you're seeing "dust", you may not have enough flow in the tank to keep actual particles suspended so the filter can remove them. Or, you might just be seeing dust from the substrate if the tank is fairly new. Before you get a skimmer, if you're not certain you need one, get some fine mesh (like from an old pair of panty hose) and cover the end of your siphon with this. It will allow the dust through, but not the substrate. You could also add stronger water circulation with a powerhead or two so more of this reaches your filter.