I am in the process of adding live rock to my saltwater aquarium. I have added some chateamopha, and I need something other than constant water changes. Should a protein skimmer do the job? My tank is 55 gallons, and I have about 15lbs. and am aiming at a total of about 30-40lbs.
mainly live rock will rocket your phosphate levels and nitrate due to dieback.
Get a phosphate remover, fluidised are the best like a deltec pf509
Good skimmer, the best and biggest you can buy, skimming is the cornerstone of a reef system and your live rock will soon start filtering the water itself .
i would still do water changes when rock is first introduced as your tank will not cope with the dieback especially if you dont have a skimmer.
Honestly water changes are your best option.
A protein skimmer can help some (and should be used on a saltwater tank anyway), but you can’t expect it to completely eliminate nitrates from your water. Even the best skimmer will be limited on what it can do for your tank.
Protien skimmers dont directly remove nitrate, but they do remove stray organic material from the water, and that will slow down the rate of nitrate production, as well as generally helping your water quality.
You will still need to do water changes, but hopefully less.
Ian
Adding Live rock to the water will cause nitrite levels(NO2) to rise and will turn some into nitrate(NO3) although nitrate is not as harmful as nitrite but just cycle the tank a few day and will cause nitrite to go away but as to take out nitrate u will have to have a protein skimmer to take out the ammonia