opinions on skimmer vs. non skimmer

[jcarroll]

I have heard some people say you can't go without one and some say that they'd never put one in their tank. Same way with lfs's. One in Denver told me that she would never put a skimmer on her tanks because they get rid of good bacteria also. She said that it's all about taking good care of your tank.
If you don't mind, please give me your opinion on yes or no to a skimmer and reason why. Thanks everyone!!

 

[murph]

Skimmers will not get rid of "good bacteria" these are affixed to your substrate, rock and even the glass walls of your tank.
Skimmers will however process out dissolved organics which is the leading contributer to nitrates which is food for nuisance algae.
Since your LFS is not here to see this response and a subsequent flame war is not likely to break out due to my next comment.
Your LFS is an idiot.
A skimmer is the best piece of filtration equipment you can buy. Don't cheap out on it. Get a good one. ASM is the one I prefer but Aqua C is a popular brand and if you really want to spend some bucks look into the Euro reefs.

 

[omgsaltwat]

I started without one my water was ok and clear "I thought" .... But then i got one and when it broke in my water was super clear and you should see all the junk it takes out of the water....I would say yes you should have one...JMO

 

[toughguy80]

The way I veiw it:
You would more than likely be able to get by without one. But with one, and your tank properly cared for, your tank will thrive. It's much healthier for everything in the tank. And since you put so much into it, why not spend a little extra $$$ to keep it clean and healthy.

 

[bbhuey]

If you look at what the skimmer takes out, prior to going through your filter systems, you'll know why it's so important.
I have a skimmer in my sump system and clean it every other day. Why, the stuff it takes out is something that would stay in your system and create issues down the road. Even if the skimmer isn't the top of the line, it's the principal of the issue that is important. Bob

 

[glowplug]

Great, now find me a good one that wont look HUGE in a 20g!!!!!! ***)

 

[moby]

A skimmer is the best piece of filtration equipment you can buy. Don't cheap out on it. Get a good one.
Murph, I could not agree with you more, 100% necessary for superior water quality!

Moby

 

[ryanhayes9]

i tought also i wouldint need one but i got one cuz of the difference ive seen in freinds tanks

 

[jcarroll]

Thanks everyone. I'm looking for one in the classifieds now. Are there any brands that aren't quite as expensive, say under or around $100 that work well?

 

[glowplug]

coralife ss

 

[stanlalee]

Originally Posted by glowplug
Great, now find me a good one that wont look HUGE in a 20g!!!!!! ***)
Okay I do agree in general a skimmer should pretty much be standard equipment as fas as I'm concerned BUT for nano tanks and tanks under 25 gallons water changes are so easy that you can get by with frequent water changes in stead. for a 20 gallon a five gallon water change is 25% before you including the space rocks and substrate take. Problably more like a 35% water change. I believe that is the whole principle behind being able to keep small and nano tanks water quality decent without all the equipment used on most larger tanks and many nano tanks (some larger than 20g) dont have the room for skimmers.