Let's talk about bio load.

[Aquattro]

Originally Posted by mikellini

Doing a 100% water change would remove all of the bacteria in the water (once), a skimmer will remove continuously.

Here's my take on that. I don't care at all about any bacteria in water, so if it's there or not, makes no difference. The amount free in the water column is insignificant, so let the skimmer take out however much it wants.