Equipment to run during cycling/Do I really need a protein skimmer for 29 gal tank

[Fishish53]

Hi, I just set up my first tank (29 gallon) with 30 lbs of live rock and 16 lbs of live sand (adding more sand tomorrow). All equipment I have running right now is a 500 gph circulation pump and a heater. Is this okay for while the tank is just cycling? I wasn't planning to use a protein skimmer but I am now considering one. I was going to use a HOB Aquaclear 70 filter but it has leaked, so now I'm back to the store tomorrow for either another filter or a protein skimmer. Thoughts?

Thanks

[Jose]

Are you going fowlr or with corals? What do you plan to stock your tank with? My skimmer went out and I've been without one for a while. Also where did you get your rock and sand?

[Fishish53]

Are you going fowlr or with corals? What do you plan to stock your tank with? My skimmer went out and I've been without one for a while. Also where did you get your rock and sand?

Thanks for replying. I plan to do corals eventually. I got my rock from Fish Land off of Westheimer and my sand from Petco (Coralife)

[Jose]

With a small tank I would get a skimmer. Although you can get away with your AQ70 and water changes.

[rage]

You don't need a skimmer while recycling but I would get one for later. I think someone has a HOB skimmer for sale at Marshreef.

[Nageltribe]

Search DIY protein skimmer on you tube. You can probably make a very cheap and effective one with the pump you already have . Just an option to consider...

[BrAin]

I ran my Tank for a while before getting a skimmer. No reason you need one right away.

[Ibnzmonkey]

You don't NEED a skimmer. Is it a good thing to have? Yes. However, you would want it turned off while cycling anyways.

[Sleepingtiger]

If u plan on coral, u MUST FIND A WAY TO EXPORT NUTRIENTS. Rule to reefing is, having a skimmer twice the capacity of your tank. Remember, a filter is not a way to export nutrients. All a filter does is trap debris but it stays in the system until u clean the filter. Your skimmer is probably the most important piece of equipment to your reef.

[fishmania21]

I Got a cube 24 x 24 x 24, with 3 fish and coral in it. just do water change 10 gallon per 2 weeks. never got a problem. everyone happy and healthy. Just my experience

[Sleepingtiger]

I Got a cube 24 x 24 x 24, with 3 fish and coral in it. just do water change 10 gallon per 2 weeks. never got a problem. everyone happy and healthy. Just my experience

How long have u had it setup? How big are the fish? What type of coral?

If you don't have a way to export the nutrients, it will build up. Your phosphate will be out of control. Your tank might look healthy now, but you will see problems 6 months to a year down the road.