protien skimmers

[lereg15]

what are the effects of protien skimmers in a fresh water aquarium? The tank that I'd bought came with one, but I've heard different responses to it's function.

 

[Blinky]

If you look back at the posts in General Freshwater and Freshwater Newbie (not sure which it's in) for the past two weeks or so, there was a thread about this exact topic.
I believe the advice given was that they're not really effective at all in FW setups.

 

[lereg15]

that's what I heard as well. I'll look though. Thank you

 

[Seaman]

Here's the thread:
http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=34893&highlight=skimmer

But i have to sort of disagree, I use a protien skimmer on my FW tank, and it does make a difference, My tank is pretty heavily stocked, and I can usually expect to go from 20ppm nitrAtes to about 80ish in about 2 weeks, but when I use my skimmer, It will only be around 40ish ppm after 2 weeks, so I know its helping get some of the organic matter out before it turns into amonia/nitrite/nitrate. Dont get me wrong I dont get that nice thick foam like on SW tank, but I do get a darker foam and it is thick enough to rise.

FWIW

Here's my DIY skimmer:

 

[125gJoe]

... ..... ..The tank that I'd bought came with one, but I've heard different responses to it's function.

You ought to experiment with it, since it came with the tank. Some aquariums can develope a slight film at the waters surface. If it's not a hassle to set-up and use, give it a try. It could only help provide cleaner water - which is always a good thing!