Do i need a skimmer?

[elan]

I am planning on getting a reef tank down the road (that is a very long road for me as it seems... a month in and still not cycled, but probably because i keep adding live rock every few days)
But i plan on getting a skimmer for my tank...
I have a few questions, and when answering, please keep in mind that I always like to do things the right way, the first time...
i would love to say cost aside, but that thinking has got me broke in under one month with the tank...
but what is the best skimmer and why?
What is the worst skimmer and why?
Would it be beneficial to get say two skimmers that each are rated for 65 gallons, or one that’s rated for 135?
Is getting a skimmer rated for 200gallons overkill? Will it help keep the water super clean, or clean it out too much?
Any name brands i should stay with? stay away from?
and finally, any idea what the cost would be? i know i can do a search and find a price, but i want to know if i should be hunting down a really good deal that will save me more than 15% of the cost.
I know this subject has been beaten to death on the board, but what i am looking for is suggestions/opinions for my particular set up... 135 gallon, W/D, DSB, Lots and Lots of Rock....
I am going to try and make this a poll (never tried it before) so if it doesn’t work...sorry...
Thanks in advance, and take care!

 

[slick]

IMO a good skimmer is a nice tool to use on your tank.

 

[bas12547]

I have a seclone that cleans well, but develops leaks evertime I touch it. Not designed by a plumber in my opinion.
Brian

 

[ocellaris_keeper]

A protien skimmer is a must for your tank. this is especially an important piece of equipment if you have a lot of fish. that doesn't mean you don't need on for a reef tank - you do.
A protien skimmer removes waste and nutrients in the water (nutrients will stunt the growth of most corals and cause an algae bloom) (waste will build up and make your water parameters unstable)
Here is how you should scale your skimmer: a 135 Gallon tank should have a protien skimmer rated at 150 to 200 Gallons.
This and Carbon filtration should be the only filtration you use on your tank - lots of pwerheads and maybe a wave maker but more sand to do the filtering.

 

[elan]

my tank is almost a month old and still not cycled (probably because i keep adding live rock, but i thought that should aid in cycling)
i have the bioballs in the wet dry and have a DSB, and about 100lbs of live rock (just came back from the fish store again)
after i get a skimmer, is there any other filtration system i would need?? it always seems like i end up having to get something else...

 

[elan]

OK.. new question
What kind of skimmers are out there? where can i find information that gives me a comparison of all the skimmers?

 

[gatorcsm]

I had seen a great comparison of how much skimmer is good to have. Rather, it explained what you'd get out of how much flow. For example. It said 3 x tank size in gallons was ideal, 4 x provided crystal clear water and removed many organics before being introduced to the nitrification process... so on and so forth. Something on those lines.
If anyone knows this site (I believe it was a store) please email it to me, or just cut and paste the info here. Not sure if it was really accurate, but it seemed to make sense, and looked like good information.
Thanks,
Gator

 

[elan]

Could you filter out too much junk from the water?

 

[rook]

Many people, including myself, have had great and long success without ever using a skimmer. I have a 29 gallon reef highly stocked with animals. You do need some form of nutrient export though. I use bacterial/biological filtration using liverock; deep sand bed, calcification of the corals, removal of calerpa and xenia in a refugium.
I have very low nitrate/phosphates and have never had a problem with my water chemistry in this regard. Now calcium maintainence is another story.
Skimmers are definately NOT MANDATORY. There are many other proven methods, but you need to use and research one method or another.

 

[newreefers]

I run the aqua c remora on my tank, it pulls out an amazing amount of brown gunk, it is VERY quiet, and I have never had a problem with it at all. the only thing I do is empty the collection cup twice a week and that is it.

 

[slick]

I agree they are not required but I feel they make your tank easier to keep in check.

 

[michaeltx]

I voted skimmer at least 50% more than rated for. but I personally dont use one but I do more water chagnes than normal I had a CPR backbak but when I got scallops I quite using it for them and the corals look better than ever. That tankwas 8months old and I moved to W. Texas. the tank I have now has been running since sept 2002 skimmerless and looks great. If you are new to saltwater or dont have the time for water changes and constant testing and etc.. then diffently get a skimmer. LOL
IMO
Mike

 

[kimkissyfish]

Hi,
I have a 75G with 5' DSB and 60 lbs of LR... I use a backpak 2 with bio-bale... It does one hell of a job. removes all kinds of brown & green slime and gook..
So,.. I added one on my seahorse tank. that tank has NO LR but does have a DSB,,, Does great there too...
I have heard that seaclones are not a good choice.. (just heard) from friends..... I think someone said it... "not built" by plumbers.. =)
I would buy one that is rated for MORE than your gallonage.
Thanking you kindly, Kim