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skimmer for nano coral tank
Posted: Fri Jul 25, 2025 11:27 pm
by torvak
I'm setting up a 10-gallon nano tank and wondering if a skimmer's worth it. Got some Zoanthids and a couple of clownfish. Heard mixed things about skimmers in small setups. What's your take?
Re: skimmer for nano coral tank
Posted: Sat Jul 26, 2025 1:17 am
by Floralynx
Skimmers can be hit or miss in nanos. I've got a 15-gallon with LPS and a tiny skimmer. It helps with surface scum but doesn't do much for nitrates. What's your filtration like? If you're running a good HOB or canister, you might not need one.
Re: skimmer for nano coral tank
Posted: Sat Jul 26, 2025 1:54 am
by slicefang
I skipped the skimmer in my 12-gallon. Just do weekly 20% water changes and run chemipure. My Acans and mushrooms are thriving. Less gear, less hassle.
Re: skimmer for nano coral tank
Posted: Sat Jul 26, 2025 3:50 am
by folkset
Water changes are key, but a skimmer can help if you're lazy like me. I've got a Tunze 9004 in my 10-gallon. It's quiet and pulls out nasty stuff. Not a must-have, but nice if you can fit it.
Re: skimmer for nano coral tank
Posted: Sat Jul 26, 2025 4:25 am
by Dandy
Skimmers are overkill for nanos, bruh. Just keep up with water changes and don't overfeed. My Zoas and GSP are popping without one. Save the cash for more coral.
Re: skimmer for nano coral tank
Posted: Sat Jul 26, 2025 5:25 am
by torvak
Floralynx wrote: ↑Sat Jul 26, 2025 1:17 am
Skimmers can be hit or miss in nanos. I've got a 15-gallon with LPS and a tiny skimmer. It helps with surface scum but doesn't do much for nitrates. What's your filtration like? If you're running a good HOB or canister, you might not need one.
I'm using a Fluval C2 HOB with filter floss and matrix. Sounds like I might not need the skimmer then. Thanks for the input.
Re: skimmer for nano coral tank
Posted: Sat Jul 26, 2025 5:59 am
by Floralynx
Dandy wrote: ↑Sat Jul 26, 2025 4:25 am
Skimmers are overkill for nanos, bruh. Just keep up with water changes and don't overfeed. My Zoas and GSP are popping without one. Save the cash for more coral.
Agreed, but some folks like the extra polish. If you're running a C2, you're probably golden. Just watch those nitrates and you'll be fine.
Re: skimmer for nano coral tank
Posted: Sat Jul 26, 2025 6:42 am
by slicefang
Yeah, the C2's solid. I'd skip the skimmer and put that money into a better light or flow pump. My MP10 was a game-changer for my corals.
Re: skimmer for nano coral tank
Posted: Sat Jul 26, 2025 6:55 am
by folkset
If you're curious, grab a cheap used skimmer to test. I got mine for $30 on a forum. Works well enough, but not a must-have like Dandy said.
Re: skimmer for nano coral tank
Posted: Sat Jul 26, 2025 7:57 am
by Dandy
Bruh, MP10 in a nano? That's some fancy flow. But yeah, better than a skimmer. My janky wave maker gets the job done, though.