How important is a skimmer in a non-reef tank

[spacenyc]

i m in the process of setting up a fowlr tank that will probably have a small bio-load. It is a 120 gallon with 30-40 gallon sump. i m stocking with lionfish and eels and similiar lifestock. my plan is to use a few small, good quality skimmer i have from my other tanks rather than one big skimmer. anyone see a problem with this, how important is the skimmer in a fowlr setting? will have about 200 lbs of rock that has been in my other tanks for a few years along with a dsb of sand from other tanks. thanks to all in advance

 

[ZANYMASTER]

Steve,even in a FO tank,A skimmer is helpful cause when they poop,they make a mess:lol:

 

[steve614]

i was wondering the same thing.i am setting up a FOWLR also and i was also wondering how important a skimmer is and how a lower level of light will affect the live rock.if its not a reef then i don't need a gazillion watt light right?im tired of my HUGE electric bill :lol:

 

[aznt1217]

If it's fish just buy a LED light bar, no need for intense lighting.

 

[bimmer01]

+1, when there's fish in a tank, always get a skimmer. It removes poop.

 

[Solace Aquatics LLC]

In a FOWL tank, a skimmer is actually more important, as ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates, will build faster than a Reeef Tank.

 

[cowfish]

I think it depends on the fish and how often you're willing to do water changes. Large predators in a relatively small tank would most definitely benefit from a skimmer.

 

[ClosetFishGeek]

A skimmer is the number one most valuable tool we have in this hobby next to a water change. Use the multiple of skimmers that you have as long as they can handle the load. Lion fish and eels are incredibly sloppy eaters. They will tax a system....:splitspin

 

[artie1209]

In the long run you actually save money you will need less water changes. Also it will help keep your tank saturated with O2 and maintain a more stable PH with CO2 balance.

 

[2slo4me]

I think it depends on the fish and how often you're willing to do water changes. Large predators in a relatively small tank would most definitely benefit from a skimmer.

+1 if you are willing to do water changes more often then its not needed as much...

 

[Awibrandy]

Sorry guys, I have to disagree with you cowfish & 2slo4me, and agree with the others.
Without a skimmer you will have a nighmare on your hands as the eels, lion, and anyother preditor you intend to keep. They are big eaters, and as such they are also big poopers.lol
Not sure, but I don't think several small skimmers will work all that well, and since you mention your concern for your electric bill think about the difference in 1 pump for 1 skimmer vs several pumps for several skimmers.
Lighting you will not need anything special. You could probably get away with simple grow lights from any plant store including HD or Lowes. And that I would only do for the lr, not the fish.

 

[spacenyc]

wow, thanks for the quick great responses.

amazing the quick and useful info i always get here

 

[cali_reef]

Lion fish and regular eels will not do too well in a 120 in the long run, they need more space and water to be comfortable (maybe one or two dwarf ones will be okay). Ken Feldman gave a lecture on the effectiveness of skimming in MACNA today, apparently skimmer does not remove as much DOC as 10% water changes every week with use of carbon, not even a $1,000 Bubble King.