Protein Skimmer or not?

[breezo1013]

I have a large reef system ( 250 gallons ). I have had a protein skimmer on this set up for the past three years. Do I need a protein skimmer? I only have 3 tangs in the whole setup. I was wondering if the protein skimmer is taking out nutrients for my corals. I have many different corals mostly sps (45) different types. Any advise is appreciated.

 

[playtime]

I was told by my LFS and by everyone on this board that I need a skimmer for my corals. Since adding it, everyone looks great.
Playtime

 

[q]

The skimmer only takes out the crap which accumulates on your water surface and smothers your tank. The nutrients don't adhere to the air bubbles thus not getting filtered out.

 

[kappadoku]

IMO, if you start with a skimmer, dont remove it. BUT, if you have an undisturbed dsb from the beginning, you dont need one.
I have 3 tanks, a 90 gallon running since 1997, and 2 12 gallon nanoreefs running since 2000. I have never used a skimmer.
Your DSB will adapt to it.

 

[burnnspy]

Balanced reefs may not need a skimmer, when food input equals waste output then you have balance. If you can manitain zero nitrates over a long period then that is a measure of balance.
Keep in mind that a skimmer has other functions. They can reduce phosphates when used with Kalkwasser and they add O2 to the system.
BurnNSpy

 

[saltwater2]

I am starting to set up a reef tank. The tank is a 56 gal tank. 30 inches long 18 inch.wide. 24 1/2 inches high. I need to know if uncured rock is the way to go to cycle the tank the best? I would like some feedback on the right protein skimmer to use. Is the seaclone brand sufficient for the protein skimmer. When starting a tank do you use live sand with uncured rocks?
I would appreciate any feedback on these questions I have regarding my new tank setup. By the way I use to have saltwater tanks about (3) years ago. Since then I have been into freshwater. I did have a 46 bowfront reef tank then. I just need some help again getting started.
Thanks.