Skimmer in nanos

[NickFish]

I just wanted to hear all your opinions on putting protein skimmers in nano reefs (by nanos I mean tanks 25 gallons and under).

What kinds do you think work best in nanos?

I personally think they are a nice thing to have, but aren't a nessesity. They do make maintenence easier however.

[gem]

Personally....I don't think they are an absolute neccesity if all you're keeping is softies. My preference is to use one however.

[Dave66]

Aren't essential to have in those little tanks, but always desirable. They do make maintenance easier and are helpful to maintain correct Oxygen levels in the tank.

Dave

[cocoa_pleco]

i would say yes, still good to have one to take the junk out of the water

theres mini in-tank skimmers on ebay for $30 that are good

[Tigerbarb]

I never understood why a skimmer is a must for large tanks, but not for small tanks. Wouldn't a less stable tank (such as a nano reef) need one twice as much?

[Dave66]

I never understood why a skimmer is a must for large tanks, but not for small tanks. Wouldn't a less stable tank (such as a nano reef) need one twice as much?

Tiny tanks get the majority of the nutrient processing from the live rock and live sand.
Personally, I wouldn't do any marine tank of any size without skimmers on them. To me they are as vital a piece of equipment there is, but not everyone shares that view.
I do agree with you though, tigerbarb. Such small containers, a tiny nutrient surge can put water quality in a tailspin, with algae blooms and worse. Skimmer would prevent that.

Dave

[NickFish]

Nanos are just smaller, and there isn't as many nutrients to process out. Most of it is taken care of with water changes.

I've seen those cool little Fission skimmers. They are only around $30 here. Probably not as good as the tunze and other high quality models though.

[ILuvMyGoldBarb]

I look at it this way, if you can get a skimmer to fit the tank then you should try to put on on it. With a tank full of soft corals I'd want one even more than on others. If a soft coral for some reason or another decides to melt (which I've heard of them doing) then I'd want a skimmer in there to remove any of the junk that results from that. I even have a skimmer on my 2.5gal tank. Mind you I don't have it running right now but I have it there available to me if I decide to use it.