Could someone please explain : Do you need a filter and a skimmer in an salt water aquarium?

Question

Do you need both or just one? Im just starting out and I want to get all my items before I ruin my fish. Thanks

Answer 1

You definitely need a filter, but the skimmer is optional. Here's a link on what skimmers do: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protein_ski...

http://www.theaquariumwiki.com/Filtratio...

http://saltaquarium.about.com/cs/protein...

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/pic/articl...

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/pic/articl...

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/pic/articl...

E-mail me for any questions!

Answer 2

Yes get both

Answer 3

You do need a filter.  A skimmer is optional but suggested if you're only keeping fish, but if you plan to keep corals, anemones, or other invertebrates that are more sensitive to poor water quality, I definitely suggest both.  

The skimmer removes small protein particles from the water (these make a very fine film on the water's surface and your regular filter can't remove this) before the amino acids from the proteins can break down even further to create ammonia in your tank.  It's the ammonia that's the most harmful to your organisms.

In a fish-only tank (or fish-only with live rock), you can usually get by with just frequent (weekly) water changes as long as you have a good regular filter.

Answer 4

wether you have a good filter or not you have to change the water more then once a year...

Answer 5

hi! u must have a good filter more then a skimmer! if u have a good filter, u dont have to change water for maybe a year.

Answer 6

A biological filter is necicary. A skimmer is very highly recomended but you can get by without it. I use both myself with excellent resaults.

Before you get the fish you will need to establish the biological filter by cycleing the tank.

A guide to cycleing a tank: http://www.firsttankguide.net/cycle.php