Hmmm, interesting. Without reading the article as yet (I'll try to read it later if I can), for me though, I guess it comes down to this: My skimmer produces dark nasty smelly goop water. I assume it's fish poo that makes it like this. If I didn't have the skimmer, that goop would stay in the tank. Whether it's DOC or TOC or ABC doesn't really matter to me very much, what matter is that it smells bad and I think my tank is better off having it taken out than left in.

Exactly why I don't usually bother mentioning anything on my experiences regarding skimmers. :p Not quite what I meant! ;)

Just for the record, Marie is NOT going to give up her bubbleking for anything even something as tempting as a GSP encrusted seaclone :razz:

What about a sugar-encrusted Delphinus?

:lol:

I also agree, my skimmer gives me much more water clarity. When I add in carbon, even moreso. The brown gunk is much better out than in, IMO as well.

I'll have to think about that one...I'll get back to you :lol:

nothing beats a good skimmer IMO, as delphinus mentioned , at the end of the day, that brown gunk is in the collection cup and not in the tank causing algae out breaks and other crap...and besides with out a good skimmer where would we get that nice therapeutic smell of skimmate:mrgreen:

Part 2 is now out...
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2008/9/aafeature2
Throw away your skimmers and buy more carbon :)