| One of the most controversial pieces of saltwater | | | | corals can get away without a skimmer. This is |
| aquarium equipment is the protein skimmer. These | | | | because soft corals are very hardy and many come |
| specialized filters do a good job of stripping a lot of | | | | from less pristine parts of the ocean. This means |
| pollutants and compounds out of the water. But is a | | | | they can handle slightly lees then perfect water |
| protein skimmer needed in every saltwater tank? | | | | quality much better then other corals can. |
| The answer is no and there are many successful | | | | Tanks With Refugiums- a refugium is an additional |
| saltwater aquariums that proved this point. Below | | | | tank that grows special types of algeas around the |
| you will see some types of tanks that will not | | | | clock. This algae will use the compounds that other |
| necessarily need a protein skimming to be successful. | | | | nuisance algaes need to grow. This method works |
| Types of Marine Tanks That May Not Need Protein | | | | almost as good as skimming.Additionally a refugium |
| Skimming | | | | can provide a the saltwater fish and corals with |
| Fish Only Tanks- Generally tanks that house just | | | | natural food |
| saltwater fish will do fine without a protein skimmer. | | | | Keep in mind that although a skimmer is not needed |
| Although you will need to have adequate filtration | | | | to have a great saltwater tank they will give you an |
| and your water changes will need to be more | | | | extra barrier of protection against algae.A good |
| frequent to keep up with and nitrates that occur. | | | | skimmer will also help keep nitrates down and also |
| Soft Coral Reef Tank- Generally reef tanks with soft | | | | oxygenate your tanks water as well. |