Care
Feb 20, 2026
Can I Keep a Reef Tank Without a Protein Skimmer?
Quick Answer
Yes—many nano and soft coral tanks run skimmerless if you manage nutrients with regular water changes, feeding control, and export methods.
You can run a successful reef tank without a skimmer, especially in smaller systems or lightly stocked tanks.
- Do weekly water changes consistently
- Use mechanical filtration and replace media often
- Control feeding to avoid nutrient spikes
- Use macroalgae or media for nitrate/phosphate export
A skimmer still helps with oxygenation and long-term nutrient stability in heavily stocked systems. If you need gear options, browse skimmers and filtration upgrades on the ReefBay Shop.
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