Hello everyone

[roy2912]

Hi everyone, after visiting many websites ad forums, and also reading many books i have finally convinced myself to take the step up from keeping tropical fish,
i have just placed an order for a 90 litre tank setup from blue zoo in hull, and im looking forward to getting started hopefully next wednesday.
for now i have just the one question, although im sure there will be many more once i get started, I have bought a simple setup that doesnt use a skimmer, is it advisable to use one, and what (if any) problems could arise if i dont?

[callum_parsons]

hi and welcome to reef corals :)

you made the right move from tropicals to marines its much more fun :)

[mfcfan]

hi roy welcome to reef corals:D

steve :)

[roy2912]

Thanks very much, im really excited to get going, Wednesday cant come round quick enough!

[toonfan]

i think skimmer is a must have with marines as you wont believe the amount of crud they pull out of your tank

[roy2912]

Do skimmers come in different sizes dependant on the size of your tank?
also could anyone recommend a decent one for a relatively small tank (90 litres)

[moorish]

hi roy,welcome to reef corals,a skimmer is a must unless you only intend to keep corals.just ask chris at blue zoo and he will sort you one out.derek

[Tetley]

Hi,

Welcome to Reef Corals. Hope you enjoy your stay with us. :):)

It is certainly possiable to run a Marine tank without a skimmer. As you tank is only 90ltrs.

Regular water changes would be the key to this,

However given the choice then a skimmer would be an excellent investment.

On a tank such as yours (90ltrs) then the deltec mce300 would be a good choice.

If you do invest in a skimmer, invest the money once (by that I mean that some skimmers may seem attractive because of price, but it could be a false investment.)

HTH

[roy2912]

Many thanks for all your help, Chris at blue zoo did actually say that i would only be able to keep soft coral with this setup now i think about it, is it safe to add a skimmer at a later date as i dont think the boss(wife) will let go of her purse strings this week!

[Tetley]

Many thanks for all your help, Chris at blue zoo did actually say that i would only be able to keep soft coral with this setup now i think about it, is it safe to add a skimmer at a later date as i dont think the boss(wife) will let go of her purse strings this week!

Hi,

Yes you can add one later. Just ensure you keep an eye on water quality. If in doubt I am sure Chris will be able to advise, and IIRC he also will test your water for you.

Take your time, ask questions, listen to Chris, and you will not go far wrong.

ATB

[Blue]

The tank will incorporate the use of Purigen. This product is great for nano systems as it absorbs organics, therefore reducing the need for a skimmer. You either replaces the purigen bag every 8 weeks roughly, or you can actually recharge it;)

[roy2912]

great stuff, im sure i will have more questions for you chris before i come back in, i think its fantastic that you are available for help and support, without trying to make a sale,its a shame there aren't more traders like yourself.

[Blue]

great stuff, im sure i will have more questions for you chris before i come back in, i think its fantastic that you are available for help and support, without trying to make a sale,its a shame there aren't more traders like yourself.

Why TYVM, you are more than welcome ;):):)

[Gillybaby]

Hi Roy, welcome to Reef Corals.

IMHO a skimmer is not necessary for a 90l tank. I've never used a skimmer on a nano tank and they are my most successful systems. As Chris says, water changes and other nutrient export methods (I grow macro algae) should be able to cope fine. You just need to keep a close eye on the parameters and take things very very slowly ;)

[Tangman]

Hi Roy and welcome to RC, Chris will keep you right and if you are not sure just ask on here. Twiggy.:D

[roy2912]

Thank you very much to everyone that has replied and made me feel really welcome, im sure it will make the transition from tropical to marine fishkeeping much easier knowing there is such a great community here who are always willing to help!

[Electric Monk]

Welcome Roy, did you bring beer? :p:D;)

[stevieh]

hello roy and welcome to reef corals :)did someone mention beer:D

[Kev]

I am not using a skimmer on my nano tank, altough fish stocking levels will be very low, and water flow will be high. I intend to do very regular water changes and stock with LPS. I would otherwise advocate use of a skimmer!

[mousehunter22]

Welcome to the reef!!!!

Any questions,no matter how silly they seem! dont be afraid to ask we are all here to learn and help if we can:D

[MR Teee]

Hello Roy, welcome to the site.

[moorish]

just add one later,but keep checking your water to make sure everything is ok.derek

[dollydip]

welcome to rc roy and enjoy the forum andy