Filtration question
 

I picked up a protein skimmer for my new tank setup which I thought was going to act as my filter for the tank but now I feel as though I misunderstood what it does. Will I also require a filter as well as the skimmer?

I do have a HOB and a submersible (canister?) filter I have been using in my freshwater tank that I upgraded, so I can get new media for them if I need to...but I just wondering if the skimmer is enough for the 33 gal or if I should be using one of the others as well.

I will have live rock with soft corals and fish in due time if that helps with the answer...I hope this post made sense...any info would be appreciated!

Cheers!

a skimmer acts as part of your filtration. You're live rocks (with enough flow) combined with your skimmer and regular weekly water changes will be all the filtration you really need. No need for anything else.

I agree, as long as you've bought a good skimmer and you use live rock this will suffice for filteration.

What skimmer did you buy?

A filter sock over the drain where it enter the sump doesn't hurt.

Thanks for all the replies!!

I picked it up on boxing day at Big Al's and asked for a medium-high end and they suggested the Coralife Super Skimmer...its rated for up to 65 Gallons which is double my tank size...hopefully they didnt steer me wrong...I havnt opened it yet so hopefully its a decent one...

I would try to return it and go for something else. Vertex, Euro-Reef, Deltec, ASM are all much better skimmers. I have seen coralife's in action and they are definitely NOT high-end skimmers. Big Al's in Calgary doesn't really have quality equipment and I would assume the one in Edmonton is similar. If you are on a budget look for a used one on here as you will be much happier with a decent used one than a coralife, which you would probably end up upgrading soon anyway. HTH

Somebody at Big Als has a very different outlook as to what a higher end skimmer would be. Take it back and check out some of the skimmers Xtreme listed. Or check here to see if anyone has a good used skimmer for sale.

I agree with both the last two posters. Those Super Skimmers are anything but super! They also have a nasty tendency to flood your floor. I agree with the list Xtreme put out, except for the Vertex which my vote is still out. I might buy one to check it out for myself though. HAHA.

The CSS is a medium low end skimmer.