If you have decided to try and replicate the ocean in the closest way possible, a reef tank is likely what you’re setting up. These tanks allow you to mimic the ocean and will include a variety of corals and rocks as well as compatible fish and invertebrates. But getting the balance just right is essential and while there are a lot of pieces of equipment to consider, many new aquarists wonder if you need a protein skimmer in a reef tank.
It is entirely possible to set up and run a reef tank without a protein skimmer but you may find that you have a lot more work on your hands. Since protein skimmers are a way of reducing algae and dealing with waste, when you don’t have one, you’ll have to perform more regular maintenance.
To help you make a more informed decision on whether your reef tank would benefit from a protein skimmer, you will need to understand what this equipment is for and how it can be advantageous in the tank.
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What Is A Protein Skimmer?
A protein skimmer is a device that is used in an aquarium as part of a larger maintenance program. For fish to thrive and survive, the water needs to remain balanced and while a protein skimmer is typically used in a saltwater aquarium, like your reef tank, they can also be used in freshwater tanks and even outdoor freshwater settings such as a koi pond. But in a saltwater aquarium, where the water is more dense, they are particularly effective.
Your protein skimmer is made up from several components including an air pump for air injection, a contact chamber as well as a collection cup. This collection cup is designed for foam which can then be easily removed. These devices work by mixing air bubbles into the water. These bubbles mix with DOC in the water which creates a good surface tension on the bubbles. As a result, they rise to the surface and interact with other bubbles before getting larger and larger and ending up in the collection cup. Here, the liquid turns dark and smelly and you’ll quickly see why you didn’t want this in your tank.
As the protein skimmer gets to work it will remove any organic contaminants in the water before they get broken down by bacteria. As a way of lowering the level of waste in the water, these are incredibly efficient devices. The protein skimmer will slow down an accumulation of phosphate and nitrate in the water which is highly beneficial to your tank.
Should I Have A Protein Skimmer In My Reef Tank
Look around the internet and you will see a plethora of experienced reef tank owners who get by perfectly well without a protein skimmer. We don’t doubt that this is the case but we would also highly recommend using one, especially if you are new to keeping a reef aquarium. As you work with your tank, you will begin to learn about what works and what doesn’t. In some cases, people start out with a protein skimmer and realize that it doesn’t work in their setup but for beginners, a protein skimmer could be the difference between a thriving reef tank and a total disaster.
You see, there is such a delicate balance keeping a reef tank and when you have a protein skimmer in place, this gives you a little bit of room for movement. It is extremely likely that in the early days, you will encounter some problem but with a bit of freedom in making errors, your protein skimmer could save the day.
One of the biggest problems is that even experienced reef tank owners may overfeed the fish and this will cause balance issues with the water. In this case, a protein skimmer will help to remove food waste which can put a big strain on the bioload of the tank.
The reason for using this equipment is that a protein skimmer will vastly reduce the amount of maintenance you will need to do on your tank. Now, we should also point out that using a protein skimmer isn’t going to prevent you from having to do any maintenance at all. Keeping a reef tank is a big responsibility and you will need to commit a good deal of time to it. But a protein skimmer may aid you in this.
What’s more, using a protein skimmer will result in a more beautiful aquarium that looks cleaner and has a greater aesthetic appeal. One of the main reasons that people purchase a tank in the first place is to create a striking feature in a room. But if this is ruined with mucky water, the appeal quickly fades and nobody wants that.
With all of this in mind, if you have a tank that contains only corals and rocks with no fish, the waste levels are not going to be in the same league.
Are Protein Skimmers Easy To Use?
Some tanks may not need a protein skimmer if they are an all-in-one that has built-in systems to keep the tank clean. If you do choose to use one, it is important to make minor adjustments to the airflow as too many air bubbles may be irritating to the creatures in the tank. Most protein skimmers come with some sort of dial for this and in the beginning, you may need to play around with this to find the right balance for your setup.
A lot of people that keep things like limpets find that they are attracted to the protein skimmer and the bubbles it creates. This isn’t generally a problem but it can cause a calcium build-up. The limpets may cover the venturi valve on the skimmer so it is important to stay on top of this issue if you notice it.
What Are The Pros And Cons Of A Protein Skimmer?
We have to reiterate the fact that we believe using a protein skimmer is the best option for a reef tank, especially for those who are just getting started. But as with anything, there are drawbacks that are worth considering when making a decision on whether to use one.
Of course, one of the most common gripes is that purchasing a protein skimmer is just another expense. But then you should keep in mind that setting up and maintaining a reef tank does come with costs attached and if you aren’t prepared to meet these then perhaps this isn’t the right hobby for you.
Let’s start by looking at the pros:
- Prevents nitrate from building up in the tank
- Removes dissolved organic compounds (DOC)
- Increases the gas exchange
- Keeps pH balanced and stabilized
- Makes the water look crystal clear
- Keeps bioload low
Now, as we mentioned, there may be a few cons. But it is important to keep in mind that the pros far outweigh the cons.
- Protein skimmers can be quite expensive
- They remove trace elements
- They may remove certain plankton that can benefit the ecosystem of the tank
- Over time, small amounts of salt may be removed which can affect the gravity of the water
Conclusion
It is entirely possible to operate a reef tank without the need for a protein skimmer. That said, these pieces of equipment have a lot of benefits and many would agree that they are an integral part of a well-maintained aquarium.
If you are considering one, it is worth weighing up the pros and cons but on the whole, new aquarists would do well to include one in their set up.
