Protein Skimmer?

[spongefarm11702]

Hey I have a 40 gallon tank with a sump and I need a good protein skimmer for not a lot of money. Do I need a protein skimmer if I have live rock, and the sump, plus filters? If I do where and what type should I get.

[kfisc]

With a 40, good water movement (= in-tank pumps), the live rock and weekly water changes, you could do without a skimmer. Canister filters are still used by many, if that's what you have.

[MiataRacer]

I'd suggest having a decent amount of macroalgae in your sump if you're going to do without a skimmer. My tank is a 40 also, and even with weekly water changes I have a hard time with nitrates. My old skimmer (a CPR Bak Pak 2R) was worthless, barely pulling out anything, so in a way it was like going without a skimmer.

[Dmize]

Somewhat new to the hobby here as well... (about 6 mos)

We have had good luck with our Reef Octopus skimmer. Not a huge investment and seems like it is working great.

When I see all the stuff it pulls out of water, I cant imagine not running it.

[NeilFox]

I would use a skimmer. It lets you feed more and remove proteins before they breakdown. You will probably get one anyhow if you stick with the hobby. I have a 29 gal and I got an SC301 skimmer for it. You can get one on Amazon for about $100. They are rated for 75 gal, which in real life translates to roughly half of that. Just put it in your sump, preferably in the same chamber where the water comes in as it will produce some bubbles in the water. Great skimmer for the money and good build quality.