Do i need a protein skimmer?

[mikentexas]

newbie just starting out and I was wondering if I need to have a protein skimmer on my tank. everyone seems to have one but i was told i didn't really need it.
I have a 40 gal. stretch hex tank , with 1 to 1 1/2 inch of live sand, about 45 lbs of live rock going to about 60 lbs. in the next day or so. my tank has been cycling for about a 10 days now and all my reading are looking good .
Would appreciate any info and want to do this right!

thanks

[turbo4603]

welcome to three reef!!!

bout ure question, yup,ulle whant one as soon as possible.(finally convinced)

[Matt Rogers]

Here's a vote for skimmers! *[smiley=thumbs_up.gif]

Edit: for the record I've read a lot of posts from people that get rid of them and then after a few months, put them back on. Good filters, good source of oxygen.

Thanks for joining!

[inwall75]

TWO THUMBS UP ON THE SKIMMER!!!!

The more nutrient export, the better. Like Matt mentioned, they also oxygenate the water (which helps keep your pH higher).

another skimmer vote. 4 thumbs up as I borrow 2 from Curt

Curt needed some karma for that one

[Phil5613]

I would use a skimmer there are a bunch of devices you can use along with the skimmer but nowadays the skimmer should be included in you basic setup. If you don't think it works wait until your tank is running and watch when you supplement or feed or when there is die off in the tank thats when you realize the work it does. As far as over filtration there really isn't a truth to that with the ocean you have tides and currents in the glass box in your house you need all the help you can get.

[CG]

lotsa people representin texas nowadays...ohhh yeah

[mikentexas]

thanks guys . i appreciate the help. looking forward to hanging around the reef!

[karlas]

i went for quite a while without a skimmer it can be done. but after adding one im glad i did things go better with a skimmer.