Not Sure If You Need One

For those of you who think that a protein skimmer is not necessary, I just have one question, Have any of you smelled that disgusting nasty smelling juice that a protein skimmer takes out of the water your fish are swimming in?
If not take the opportunity some time, Either a friends or your LFS, Just give it a big sniff, [smiley=hehe.gif]I think you will change your mind and a protein skimmer will be your next investment.

 

HAHAHAHA

Almost as bad as the smell that comes from a DSB

John

 

Protein skimmers are the most awesome safety net for aquariasts who have livestock bioload, from beginners to pros, don't leave home without one!

 

Craig,

Wont disagree with that statement Probably the best and simplest filtration device available so far.

John

 

Thanks JohnO!

 

No problems Craig

Comes from my experience, I have run a tank both with a skimmer and with only a cannister filter arrangement. Although both achieved the same results, the cannister was certainly more expense to run and the maintenance effort was enormous.

John

 

[quote author=Craig_Manoukian link=board=Protein;num=1084840569;start=0#2 date=05/17/04 at 19:09:00]Protein skimmers are the most awesome safety net for aquariasts who have livestock bioload, from beginners to pros, don't leave home without one![/quote]

When they are cleaned up they work pretty good.
They are another part of WATER QUALITY which every tank is based upon water quality is like us humans breathing clean fresh air.

I now need to plug in --The RO/DI water filter which is the MOST important filters item for any aquarium. I don't care where you like there are things in your tap water that you don't see.

[move] [smiley=fish.gif] [smiley=fish.gif]WATER QUALITY IS MOST IMPORTANT [smiley=fish.gif] [smiley=fish.gif][/move]

 

[quote author=Nautilus link=board=Protein;num=1084840569;start=0#6 date=05/18/04 at 03:51:59]The RO/DI water filter which is the MOST important filters item for any aquarium. I don't care where you like there are things in your tap water that you don't see.

[move] [smiley=fish.gif] [smiley=fish.gif]WATER QUALITY IS MOST IMPORTANT [smiley=fish.gif] [smiley=fish.gif][/move][/quote]

Yes very important if your water comes from a non 1996 Clean Water Drinking Act qualified facility.  In my case, a skimmer is more important as it addresses the DOCs that come with my bioload.  There is not a big enough difference, as with some water, that the RO/DI would offset.  If I was across town and the bulk of my water came from ground wells that would be a different story.  The water I get comes out of Lake tahoe. one of the most pristine mountain Lakes in the world and then is filtered at the water plant.  I live just below the water plant.

It is absolutely critical to have good water quality as Dave said and you are well advised to research your water supply.  An RO/DI may be just as critical as a skimmer to your tank.  I have a refugium in addition to the skimmer to export Nitrates and Phosphates.

Will be getting an RO/DI some time in the future, but not absolutely critical at this point. Mushrooms splitting and colonizing, limpets propogating, colorful, growing and happy fish are all signs that things are good.

 

Thank you all for expanding on and confirming my point.

And after the initial investment it is one of the cheapest filtration system there is, As there is no filter media to buy or change, you only have to clean it ( PEE YOU ) [smiley=skull.gif]