protein skimmer

Question
QUESTION: we have a 125 gal salt water tank with 100lbs live rock we have rena filstar xp3 filter system. do we really need a protein skimmer or should we put in another rena filstar xp3 filter system. I keep getting different answers from different people.
we have a dory and two tomato clowns and two black clowns and two chromies and some snails.

ANSWER: Hi Karen,

Well, my answer will be given concerning your entire setup, not just the tank and filter.  I want to provide you with the best, expert advice I can give you, so to do that, I have a couple more things to ask you first.  I hope that's okay with you. :)

1.  Are there fish in the tank?
2.  Do you use tap water?
3.  Are there corals in the tank?
4.  If applicable, how many fish and how many corals?  What varieties?
5.  What is your feeding schedule and how often do you feed, how much of each food?

Thankyou.  

I can tell you most systems do need one, but some can go okay without them, as long as they are following the guidelines and cleaning out the XP3 every month (rather than 3 months as some personnel will recommend).

In order to help you better, I hope to hear back soon! :)

Renee

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Renee yes we have fish in the tank they are one tang(dory)two tomato clowns, two black clowns, two chromies. we have no coral in the tank, no we do not use our tap water we get replacement water from reef keepers in arlington. we feed them every other day just a pinch. thank you for your help
Karen

ANSWER: Hi Karen,

If you have fish, especially the tangs, you will have to run a skimmer.  Fish poop in the water.  A filter works great, but it isn't sufficient enough to remove all the toxicity.

I do recommend a skimmer.

I hope this has been helpful for you and good luck with the fish.  Happy fish-keeping! :)

Renee

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Renee  we do have 100 pounds of live rock in the tank. isn't that suppose to help?

Answer
Hi,

Live rock and sand help filter a little, with heavy enough flow against them, but they are not sufficient enough in a fish-inclusive aquarium, to do it all.

If your readings are at 0ppm, Nitrates, Nitrites and Ammonia, then I wouldn't worry.

Test them every 3 days for a month to be sure.

Do bi-weekly 10% water changes, and your filtration cleaned monthly, you might get away without one, but if you get any nitrates, nitrites or ammonia, you should consider getting one.

My advice is to get one.  But, you can see how it goes and go from there.  :)

Renee