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Seahorses are known for their messy tendencies and heavy bioload. Even though they need a full-proof filtration system to counteract their messy expulsions many are often confused about whether or not they require a protein skimmer as well.
A protein skimmer is not a necessity for a seahorse tank however you would be a fool to not get one. A skimmer is a very important additional piece of equipment that comes with many benefits. This tool ultimately assists in stable water conditions needed for seahorses to thrive.
A protein skimmer is a supplemental filtration system used in saltwater aquariums to remove organic compounds such as waste, food particles, and other debris.
You may be thinking why would you need a protein skimmer when you already have a good filtration system that is working?
Well, in my opinion, nothing can ever purify aquarium water the way that a protein skimmer does.
While filters are ideal for removing physical and chemical wastes a skimmer is ideal for removing organic wastes and molecules before it can dissolve.
Combine these systems together and you will get a solid filtration mechanism to combat any detritus build-up in your tank.
After all, it is possible to successfully keep seahorses without a protein skimmer, especially in smaller tanks with maybe a pair of seahorses where you can combat bad water quality with proper husbandry.
In larger tanks where the water capacity is higher with probably a heavier bioload, it would be difficult to effectively maintain the aquarium knowing that there is little to no room for error.
So to conclude you do not need a protein skimmer but I would highly recommend getting a protein skimmer irrespective of the size of the aquarium.
This equipment is an invaluable tool that can make a huge difference in your species-specific seahorse aquarium.
Why Are Protein Skimmers Important For Seahorse Tanks?
Keeping seahorses is very different from keeping normal fish. With this difference comes a whole lot of specifications and unique maintenance requirements.
Seahorses are known as messy feeders. When they feed on mysis shrimp every time they slurp one in water is ejected through their gills, carrying a cloud of macerated particles and debris with it.
Even though it’s quite a mesmerizing sight, over time this expelled waste builds up and breaks down into harmful chemicals which are toxic to them.
Not forgetting the waste that is constantly released through their rear end due to their lack of stomach.
This deadly combination of waste expulsion is sometimes too much for a filtration system to handle and a protein skimmer is that extra support that’s needed.
A protein skimmer will work in conjunction with the tank’s standard filtration system to help eradicate these wastes before they can break down.
A skimmer will use air bubbles together with water to form a frothy foamy substance to help remove these harmful wastes before it gets dissolved in the water.
Without a skimmer, these tiny waste particles can sift through the filters ending up in the water.
This soon breaks down releasing ammonia which is highly toxic and can kill seahorses very fast.
By including a skimmer you can potentially save your seahorses the additional stress of low-quality water and ensure water parameters remain constant.
A protein skimmer will benefit a seahorse aquarium in many ways, these benefits include
- Efficient nutrient export
- Reducing the bioload of an aquarium.
- Increasing oxygen levels.
- Removing protein and other waste.
- Indirectly controlling nuisance algae.
Skimmers are life-savers for many hobbyists and aquarists.
Especially in saltwater aquariums more specifically seahorse aquariums these kinds of tanks are less forgiving and minor errors can result in sudden death.
A skimmer just adds some kind of relief knowing that you have additional support to take care of the maintenance that is required.
Choosing The Right Protein Skimmer For Your Aquarium.
There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing the right protein skimmer for your saltwater aquarium.
These equipment come in all different types, sizes, and power as per the manufactures recommendation.
When choosing a good skimmer there are two types to choose from, namely internal sump or external protein skimmers.
- Internal Sump Protein Skimmer – These skimmers are designed to be installed inside the sump powered by a single pump.
- External Protein Skimmers – These are water-tight skimmers that utilize a single pump and can only be mounted outside of the sump. External skimmers also include hang-on ones which hang on the edge of the tank.
| Internal Sump P. S | External P. S |
|---|---|
| 1. Space efficient | 1. More space required |
| 2. More affordable | 4. Can be installed on any tank |
| 3. Efficient in cleaning waste | 3. Equally efficient |
| 4. Requires sump | 4. Can be installed to any tank |
| 5. Leaks are contained | 5. Leaks can be problematic |
| 6. Submerged and will wear over time | 6. Lasts longer |
CHOOSING THE RIGHT PROTEIN SKIMMER.
There are many factors to consider when choosing the right protein skimmer for your seahorse aquarium. These factors include tank size, bioload, space required, and the type of skimmer you want.
Tank Size – Protein skimmers come with a manufacturer’s recommendation according to tank size and volume of water.
Provided you have the right tank you can choose a protein skimmer that will be suitable for the tanks capacity.
However, because seahorses require extra power for cleaning, it’s advised to get a skimmer twice the one rated for your tank.
For example, if you have a 30-gallon tank it’s best to get a skimmer that is rated for a 60-gallon tank.
Bioload – Bioload refers to all the waste that is produced inside an aquarium. Seahorses have quite a heavy bioload even if you just keeping a pair.
Their messy feeding habits and waste expulsion can quickly cause water quality to decline if left unattended.
Because of this heavy bioload, it’s best to choose a skimmer twice the rating just as mentioned above.
Space – Space plays a significant role when looking for the right skimmer since you don’t want to have your tank cluttered.
If space is limited you want to get a skimmer that is small enough to fit or you can get an internal skimmer that won’t require much space.
Type – There are a few types of skimmers to choose from, internal sump skimmers or external skimmers. Depending on your aquarium setup you can choose one to fit accordingly.
Normally hobbyists start off with a single-pump internal protein skimmer since it’s affordable and easy to install.
In the case of more advanced aquariums then you would need a more powerful skimmer that will be ideal for the tank’s capacity and the bioload.
Budget – When shopping for a protein skimmer it’s also important to choose one within your budget. Normally the price will depend on the brand you choose, the quality, the type, and the features.
I would highly recommend you get one that is good quality and reliable for daily use. Depending on your budget you can choose accordingly.
The Best Protein Skimmer For Seahorse Tanks.
1. For Aquariums 30-60 gallons.
The AQUAMAXX BULLET-3 HANG-ON-BACK PROTEIN SKIMMER is one of the best for smaller tanks under 60 gallons.
AquaMaxx`s Bullet HOB Skimmer series was designed to deliver high performance in small spaces.
Unlike traditional hang-on-back skimmers which can be a large eyesore for your aquarium, the Bullet`s innovative bubble diffuser design allows for powerful filtration in a smaller footprint.
Comes packed with features such as an Innovative bubble diffuser design, ultra-silent operation, and a high-performance Sicce SHARK needle wheel pump.
Easy maintenance and cleaning, simple to set up and operate compact footprint, and durable cell-cast acrylic construction.
The Bullet-3 is the largest and best of the Bullet series, check out the latest prices here.
2. For Aquariums 60-90 gallons.
The AQUAMAXX CONES HOB HANG-ON-BACK PROTEIN SKIMMER is a great option for medium-sized aquariums ranging from 60-90 gallons.
The latest AquaMaxx ConeS HOB Hang-On-Back Protein Skimmer takes all of the great features of the ConeS CO-1 skimmer and adapts them to a hang-on-back version.
Now, you can get all the great performance of the ConeS CO-1 skimmer without needing a sump.
It is rated up to 175 gallons in a design compact enough to be placed on a small or medium-sized saltwater aquarium perfect for seahorses.
Check out the latest prices of the AQUAMAXX CONES HOB protein skimmer here.
3. For aquariums 90-120 gallons.
The AQUAMAXX CONES CO-2 IN-SUMP PROTEIN SKIMMER is designed for lightly stocked aquariums up to 300 gallons hence it will be perfect for seahorse tanks under 120 gallons.
AquaMaxx ConeS Series In-Sump Protein Skimmers efficiently remove organic waste from aquarium water.
The hybrid cone body, the advanced bubble chamber, and the proprietary conical diffusers work synergistically to efficiently mix air and water.
More importantly, random twirling and turbulent flow are eliminated.
A stable laminar flow is created inside the skimmer`s reaction chamber and maximizes the performance and efficiency of the skimmer like no other design!
Everything you need for an advanced seahorse tank, check out the latest prices here.
4. For Aquariums 120-150 gallons.
The AQUAMAXX CONES CO-3 IN-SUMP PROTEIN SKIMMER is an ideal advanced filtration mechanism perfect for those larger tanks.
Similar to the AquaMaxx Cones CO-2 but with greater performance power for heavy bioload of larger tanks.
AquaMaxx ConeS Series In-Sump Protein Skimmers efficiently remove organic waste from aquarium water. The hybrid cone body, the advanced bubble chamber, and the proprietary conical diffusers work synergistically to efficiently mix air and water.
Features include.
- Modified and upgraded Italian Sicce needle-wheel pump produces optimum bubble size for high-efficiency protein skimming
- Efficient, durable, and reliable
- Simple to set up and operate
- Cell-cast acrylic construction
- ShockMaxx rubber feet isolate noise and reduce vibration
- Quick-Precise adjustment valve allows fast precision tuning of the skimmer water level to control wet/dry foam production
- Exclusive collection cup design with a handle that allows you to easily hold and transport the collection cup for cleaning
An all-around great product powerful enough to meet the demands of a thriving seahorse aquarium, find the AQUAMAXX CONES CO-3 IN-SUMP PROTEIN SKIMMER conveniently on aquarium specialty.
Closing Thoughts.
Even though it’s possible to successfully keep seahorses without a protein skimmer, one cannot deny the hassle of trying to keep up with the daily maintenance.
A protein skimmer is just that extra support your tank needs to cater to the heavy strain that the bioload of seahorses put on your aquarium.
This tool is definitely an invaluable life-saver for many in the hobby.
