Does a 10G Aquarium Need Skimmer? Powerhead?

[4lti7ude]

Hey, Im currently setting up my first salt water aquarium and I was wondering if I need a protein skimmer on this?

I only want a clown fish and a few with some anemones.

Right now the 10 Gallon is running a 50Gallon Aqua Clear Filter on the Lowest Flow Rate, and the filter is on the left side of the aquarium.

I was also wondering if I would need a Small power head for the anemones or what not.
If so how strong of a power head.

Thanks.

[intarsiabox]

You don't need a skimmer if you do water changes every week. I would use a power head to keep algae from growing on rock and to circulate nutrients to corals. Putting anemones in a new set up is usually not recommended, most will die. Let the tank run for at least 6 months. Clowns do not need an anemone in the tank and mine have survived 4 years without one just fine so you can get the clowns after the tank has cycled but you might want to hold off on the anemone.

[Crytone]

Like the previous poster said a skimmer is NOT necessary. Many people (including myself) don't run one. I did turn my AC70 into a refugium though and that likely helps a bit. Just do a 10% water change every week or so (I sometimes go 2 weeks between water changes on my 10gallon but do more than 10% in that case). Have to keep up on the top-offs too which you will likely find gets annoying in a 10G.

A power head is definitely recommended. The Koralia Nano is what I'm using in my 10G and it's working great. My clownfish loves it since he can just swim against it's current all day and it gives great flow to my tank and corals.

I'd also suggest to stay away from the anemones in a tank that size. Everything I've read says they prefer larger tanks and most varieties do get quite large. Look into getting a fragspawn instead maybe. They look great, easy to care for and easily do well in a 10G (not to mention cheaper too).

[Gaffer]

You could also look for a small GBTA. I have one in my 6 gallon Fluval Edge and my clowns love it.

I also have a frogspawn for the Sexy Shrimps to keep everyone happy.

Andrew

[Snaz]

Anemones need strong light and in a nano that means evaporation so unless you can top off manually twice a day you will need an Auto Top Off solution to go with the big light.

[skabooya]

good answers so far. You dont need a skimmer if your doing regular WC. As for the nem I wouldnt recommend one in such a small tank. They get big and a clown may or may not host in one. You also need to have a mature tank and strong light to keep one alive (takes a minimum of 6 months).
If you like the flowieness of a nem then look for another coral that does better in small systems and can be fragged easily to keep it in check. Maybe a torch?

[4lti7ude]

Thanks for all the help everyone.
When I said Anemone I ment I wanted Frog Spawn and All the low light small stuff. I plan to get a Skimmer now and a power head for the tank.
Thanks for all the replies.

[4lti7ude]

Originally Posted by Gaffer

You could also look for a small GBTA. I have one in my 6 gallon Fluval Edge and my clowns love it.

I also have a frogspawn for the Sexy Shrimps to keep everyone happy.

Andrew

Whats a GBTA?
I have no idea about slang yet

[Bloodasp]

Green Bubble Tip Anemone

[skabooya]

GBTA = Green Bubble Tip Anemone
Frogspawn is a Euphyllia.
Others that fall into the Euphyllia family are:
Hammer and Torch coral.

No worries about the freshwater thing. I too am into freshwater and have been since I was 13... wow thats 14 years ago LMAO.
I just started the saltwater craze but it was with about 2 years of research (on and off of course). Im starting my first salty tank and its been up for a while now but im not considering the cycle started until I get LR (Live Rock) to seed my system.