I need some help please. i have a 12 gal oceanic AIO which came with this long filter and a bio-wheel. i would like to put in a small protein skimmer for nano tanks.Ques: do i need to keep the filter contraption in place or could i just use the skimmer.Then again, what about the new Rio nano filter- skimmer combination. thanx

Either/Or.....

With nano tanks, water changes are the most important thing you can do. Methods of filteration are optional. I've seen those Rio Filter/Skimmer combos, and often wondered about them.

Good luck

Live rock could certainly be your filtration. Water changes will be very important. I put a nano skimmer (Tunze 9002 or CPR SR3 are really excellent options) in mine and it performed very well.