Are you skimmerless?

[ClamFan]

I have a 20 gal with a Air Lift skimmer and will never try another tank without a skimmer. It has done wonders for my tiny little tank.

[brewercm]

I always run one. There are other methods I've read and heard about but I'd just as soon have the piece of mind.
Not to mention that even with a skimmer running 24/7 my xenia and macro algaes would still grow like weeds. Must still be plenty of nutrients left for them in my opinion even with the skimmer going.

[Brett Wilson]

Most people run skimmers because they have to... however, you can run a tank skimmerless if you design it properly. I can't say how to do that because i've never done it. One of the leading coral experts usually doesn't run a skimmer, maybe you've heard of Eric Borneman and/or read his book.... I believe he talks about this in his reef notes. I think those are located on reefs.org but I can't remember how I found them...

I just sold my skimmer since my next tank is built in and I expect to have a harder time with algae now... Time will tell.

[Salty]

I am waiting for a new skimmer to come in for my tank. I was without one for some time but I also do frequent large water changes (about 20%) per week on 135 gal.

[btacker]

I guess I have to ask why would you not run a skimmer?

It may be more natural running maco algea or some other method, but if you really look at an aquarium, it will never be exactly like the real thing. It is an isolated ecosystem.

In the end, it seems like a skimmer really helps us get closer to the real deal by removing stuff that you won't find in concentrated forms in the ocean.

[brewercm]

That was basically my point about the macro and xenia still growing like crazy even with a skimmer going. If there's enough nutrients with a skimmer it's hard to believe in a closed ecosystem that they could absorb all the bad stuff that a skimmer would help with removing.

[ratboy]

Why add unecessary pumps and equipment if you dont need it? Much like MH lighting if you dont plan on keeping much in the way of SPS why go thru the expense as long as you account for waste removal in several of many ways (skimming, refugiums, water changes, Kalk, algae scrubbers, dsb, etc..) I know my methods dont agree with what many people here do, but I and many others that I have helped in this hobby have been v. successful with out a skimmer.
-erik

[brewercm]

It is very possible to have a succesful tank without a skimmer. It just takes more work and keeping on top of things more than some (I'm guilty) tend to do. I agree totally on not adding more than is necessary. I plan on my 180 reef which will consist of halides and pumps required for SPS, and then a 240 or preferably larger for a more aggresive setup. This tank will only be run on VHO and I may include some softies that will be alright with the species that will be chosen, that's the whole reason for the six footer to be the reef, less expense on lighting.

[fishhawk]

I still believe that skimmers are a boon to the system and equally as important as water changes. Nature uses wind and waves to skim the oceans and reefs...if it's good enough for Mother Nature...who am I to Argue? I think that some people try to convince themselves they don't need to use them do it because they can't or don't want to spend the money that is needed for a good skimmer. I know I am probably stepping on toes here but I feel that one should use every means at ur disposal to upkeep the tank. I use as many as I can. Skimmer, macro algaes, sump, water changes, ect. Even with all this I plan on adding a canister filter and a 40 gal. refugium. It's like water...some people actually use tapwater but RO/DI is better. A skimmer may not be ultimately "Necessary" but neither is a sump or a water purifier.
They all contribute to a better, healthier tank. As far as Eric Boreman and his book is concerned, I got it about a month ago and have been reading it some as I have the chance. i will make sure to see what his take is on skimmers, to be sure. But even if he had been running a system for 10 yrs without...he is Boreman and I am me. He is a leading authority on corals and I am not...He is probably good enuf to know how to eco-balance his system on a whim. I'll take a good skimmer to help couterbalance for my lack of skill in that area. Again- Even with water changes, I have seen the gunk that my Euroreef pulls out and I know my fish and corals benefit from it. Necesary for you? Maybe not...For me? Without question. Just my humble if not long winded opinion