[justinl]

in a FO or even FOWLR, like SK said, skimmers are not mandatory. However, imo they are very useful and i would encourage getting the best skimmer you can afford.

I will never go with crushed coral based on the experience of many. one, detritus builds up in it very fast. two, coralline and other algae can grow on it easier than oolitic sand making it look rather craptastic. and third, it is not good at all for many inverts and some fish. for example, if you get CC, you cant have a cucumber, or any goby (or any sand sifter that comes to mind atm). you can also never have many bottom dwellers like a shark (a long shot i know) and other organisms with soft bellies, or wrasses who burrow in the sand bed.. in my mind there are two options. oolitic (sugar sized) sand or BB.

I would never medicate in my display. a quarantine is a VERY good thing to have especially for introduction to the tank. I skipped that part my first time and im still kicking myself for losing all my fish to ich. completely my fault. needless to say, i have a QT now.