tank sans protein skimmer

I was wondering if it is possible to start a marine tank without a protein skimmer. Since the skimmer removes nitrites and other nitrogen compounds, and the bacteria in the filter and the tank do that also, does that not make the skimmer excessive? I only want to raise damsels, and by the looks of their requirements, they don't need much to keep them satisified. I already have a freshwater tank, and the tetras do fine without this "protein skimming". ??? Also, when introducing damsels to the tank, should I introduce then all at once? I plan to raise 4 or 5 in a 55gal tank, and since they are highly territorial, I don't know if I should introduce them one by one.

Thanks.

 

Chaeto will work. You don't need a skimmer if your setting up a fish only tank.
Chaeto is better then a skimmer and it looks nice in the tank.


you have to add them at the same time. If you don't they will fight the newcomers for territory.

 

that's what I thought. Thanks.

 

no problem. Glad to help

 

Cheato's good stuff! It just seems to grow and you never have to do anything to it. I found a good idea to keep it from rolling ailmlessy around the tank - get a soap dish ( a deep one - more like a box) that has those plastic suckers on it and put the cheato in there. It keeps it tidy and looks quite cool if you position it nicely!

 

That's a great idea with the soap box. ;D

 

Since your only going to have 5 fish its not that high of a bio-laod. People use skimmers to take out extra impurities ex: SPS corals or any other coral. Water changes will do fine. OH and the cheato in the soap box is a great idea.

 

Yeah I was SO impressed - I had a look today for some but no luck here in the UK but I have a friend who might be able to make me a glass one so can't complain
I also bought loads more live rock today for "rock bottom price" (please excuse the pun!) - the brand new lfs down the road realised that I'm a regular customer so did me a deal - WOOHOO!

 

Thanks for the help. I think the soap box chee thing is pretty good. Thanks again.

 

Would a gladware container with holes drilled in it work also??? I just thought about it after buying more chaeto

 

Good plan! I have been looking for a clear soapdish everwhere with no luck! you must be some kind of genious hehe

 

Not a geniou bit close enough LOL just kidding. I though about it when I was eating my food

 

haha things come to us at ths strangest times! I always have amazing ideas as i'm drifing off to sleep, then I get excited and wake up and then I can't go back to sleep! > Silly brain lol

 

I have a few inventions in the making. One was almost patented but the guy was charging $100 to have everything setup