Marine Aquarium Urban Legends

There are two very distinct, so-called facts or testimonials by numerous aquarists who swear by two statements that seem to keep surfacing regarding the marine aquarium hobby and the success provided by each. These two scenarios are as follows: Aquariums MUST contain a protein skimmer and MUST have strong lighting to support corals and ensure that you are successful with a marine aquarium. Yes, these two factors can be beneficial and do support life in a marine aquarium, but the employment of these two factors need not be warranted when setting up an aquarium or to maintain life within it. I have two tanks one of which does not have strong lighting and runs without the use of a protein skimmer and have had long term success maintaining my livestock under these conditions. I will take this one step further and note that I have a pacific Long Tentacle Anemone as one of my inhabitants in this tank and it has thrived for over two years now. Anyone who knows anything about anemones, knows how difficult and finicky they are and optimal conditions should be met to ensure the health and success of these beautiful animals.

As for the protein skimmer dilemma, a protein skimmer is a form of mechanical filtration. Basically there are three forms of filtration: biological, chemical and mechanical. One need not maintain all three filtration forms to ensure success in the saltwater hobby. One form of filtration is really all that is necessary to see beneficial results from your tank and its inhabitants. Now, having said this, care must be taken with employing one form of filtration! First, novice aquarists should not partake in this activity as their are too many things that could go wrong and cause a tailspin that could spiral out of control before rectification has been addressed. Seasoned aquarists are better apt to recognize and correct problems that may arise, making them better candidates of using one form of filtration only.