protein skimmer and UV VS Diatom

[duke6188]

would a protein skimmer help with a 55 gallon aquarium that seems to get ich alot have about 12 smaller sized fish in and also should i get a uv light or diatom filter to help kill free floating ich and parasites

[Diver_1298]

Protein Skimmers are a big plus when it comes to keeping the water free of organics. My wife runs a 20 long and has for over two years without one but I guarantee you she would have half the headaches with a protein skimmer.
I think you would see a noticeable improvement.

Jim

[s14hayame]

Protein skimmer would help infact it would help big time just make sure u find a good one and if ur tank is fish only uv light would be a great idea it kills l the parasites and it also keep ur water crsytal clear too. well good luck

[milesm4]

I use both a UV is worth it to me, it kills everything as long as the flow of water going through it is correct.

[amcarrig]

Only the UV filter is reputed to get rid of ich but even that is iffy at best. Protein skimmers remove dissolved organic compounds and diatom filters are just souped up filtration systems. That being said, I wouldn't run a reef tank w/o a protein skimmer. I own a diatom filter but only use it when I am blasting detritus from my rock and sand and such.