Is a skimmer necisarry

[porscheboi]

Hey all, just want to let you know you guys are a HUGE help. I've been reading posts here and at reefcentral.com and it's helping this kinda newbie (this is my second tank but i'm still learnin)
My question is in concern of the skimmers. There has been talk lately of going without them. Right now i have a dinky little skilter and add a seaclone to the system. Anyhow, what are your opinions, skimmer or no skimmer. I have no livestock in the tank yet. I just ordered 20 lbs LR rubble, and will add another 45 lbs of marshall island to that. I plan on having like maybe 3-5 small fish.
Specs: 48 gal tank, PC lighting, 4" live sand, 2 powerheads, water is at allthe right specs.

 

[bobsingh1]

I haven't heard anywhere that you don't need a skimmer for a saltwater tank. Its an absolute must. You can, however, skip one on a freshwater tank.

 

[sydney]

From what I have heard, you should still use a skimmer, but only like 8 hours a day. Something about they are taking up too much of the good stuff too, nutrients or something. This is kind of vague I know, but thats what I was told. I don't currently use one, I have a thirty gallon with about 35 pds live rock and a few anemones and corals...5 small fish. I haven't had any problems for a year. But I stay on top of my water changes, etc. I know that when you see what the skimmer collects in the cup, you feel like your doing the right thing, it's so gross! But you have to decide whats right for your set up.

 

[clayton]

With fish only tanks it's not so necessary but corals need nutrient free water nd is definately recomended.
Skimmers also lighted the load on your biological filtration and therefore reduce nitrates.
But it will also depend on your biological load. I ran a tank for a year with only a couple of water changes and no skimmer, there was a light load of corals and fish but masses of macro algae which kept the water impecable.
Overall though I would recomend it on any marine tank, second only to the biological filtration.

 

[tammster]

My LFS has a very nice 20 gal FOWLR tank with a very small bioload and no skimmer (it's been up for 3-4 years). He told me that, with a small bioload and frequent small water changes, a skimmer is not necessary.
I have a 40 gal FOWLR that I have had for about 7 months and the coraline algae is starting to thrive. I change 2-4 gal every week (5-10%) and I have 3 small fish and various inverts. I also have about 20 lbs of LR (I have been adding about 5 lbs every month).

 

[robbinson]

I would recommend a skimmer and that you use it 24/7 - Except leave it off while cycling or when medicating.