Do i really need a protein skimmer?

I have a 65 gallon tank that currently has only a few clowns and 50 pounds of live rock.

I am considering converting the tank into a reef tank. the tank has two powerhead filters and a magnum 350 canister filter.

If i convert the tank to a reef tank i will be upgrading the lighting system to metal halides.

I was wondering if if i need/ should get a protein skimmer.

 

I would. Everyone uses them.. I had one on my 12 gal nano and it pulled out alot of junk.....

 

IMO...I am on the fence w/ this issue. I have had them and not. I currently am not running one w/ no ill effects. My tank is a 75G. My plan w/ the 75 was to get the Aqua C Remora Pro, but have not felt the need yet. But, my suggestion to you if you want a reef, add more LR and dump the canister. If you have at least 65lbs (my 75 has like 80-85lbs) you can use that as your filtration. Again, just my opionion.

 

I would get a decent skimmer, to be on the safe side. You can always switch it off if you think you "over-skim". I'm not a coral propagation expert, however, to keep corals in good condition pristine quality water is a must!!

Good luck!

 

I run 2 good size etss skimmers and they barely foam anymore unless I have fed or have been playing in the sump i have probably 400 pnds of live rock in about 500 gallons of water volume. I also run ozone. and everything looks good and grows healthy I also am running a geo calcium reactor. I dont have as much cleaning work nowas I did before I ran skimmers but I also think a sump is the wat to go if you dont use a skimmer you can add more live rock and macro algea there.

 

Uh oh, this is one of those interesting, debatable controversial subjects... The verdict isn't in, and it's filed with opinions...

Eric Borneman has been collecting samples of skimmate, and although there haven't been any solid conclusions, the evidence has so far been supporting the fact that skimmers may do more harm than good.

 

I run mine all the time but since I added my refugium a couple of years ago it seams to skim very little. I still run it to be safe. Between the two my chemistry is very good and stable.

 

Reef Central Online Community - Skimmerless

It is possible to do this and has been done with sucsess by others
have a read of the link for some more knowledgable imput by Eric Borneman

 

As everyone has stated below, some like it and some dont. What should make you decide if you should/need one? Well, that depends on a number of things. What are planning to keep in the tank? Do you want a fish only? or a reef. What kind of filteration are you going to have? IMO, if you dont want a skimmer, than you need to do/have the following.
1. For a reef tank(75g) I would only have 4-5 fishes(max) Fish's waste is the root of evil in terms of water quality. Which brings the other factor.
2. An awesome filter system. Like a refuguim/sump combo or a algae filter system. Enough LR and LS in the main tank.
3. Don't over feed! One of the biggest mistakes most ppl do that will result in poor water quality.
I personally have a skimmer only b/c I dont have a refuguim or a algae filter system. Do some more research. Hope this helps, Luna