Probably the most provocative article in a long while...

[i have crabs]

i didnt read the article yet but skimmers are not just aimed at organic carbons thier is alot more to consider like dissolved organics, micro organisms that assimilate phosphate and other nutrients also the removal of surfactants that hinder gas exchange.
ive has tanks run quite well with and without a skimmer but im not gonna unplug any skimmers

[Myka]

Originally Posted by i have crabs

Ive has tanks run quite well with and without a skimmer but im not gonna unplug any skimmers

Me too. In fact, I have yet to notice any significant difference when I add a (high quality or otherwise) skimmer!

[marie]

Originally Posted by Myka

Me too. In fact, I have yet to notice any significant difference when I add a (high quality or otherwise) skimmer!

I noticed a difference when I added the bubbleking. It noticably improved the water clarity

[Myka]

Originally Posted by marie

I noticed a difference when I added the bubbleking. It noticably improved the water clarity

That's the only thing I've ever really noticed with the use of skimmers. That and they help with nutrient buildup (production of phosphates and nitrates primarily), which is indispensible in an SPS tank where a nutrient poor environment is the goal.

I have found though, that if you keep a healthy population of fast growing corals that absorb nutrients out of the water readily (gsp, xenia, anthelia, etc) they can keep up with nutrient removal in the average "well maintained" and considerately stocked tank. I prefer to use gsp as it's growth is easier to control - just keep it off the rocks. I've never kept clams, but I would venture to guess that it's likely they would contribute significantly as well. In fact, I have found that many LPS corals thrive BETTER without a skimmer, or at least with a crappy skimmer.

I didn't say any of that though...that's a can of worms that I don't normally care to discuss.

[PoonTang]

Originally Posted by Myka

I prefer to use gsp as it's growth is easier to control - just keep it off the rocks. I've never kept clams, but I would venture to guess that it's likely they would contribute significantly as well. In fact, I have found that many LPS corals thrive BETTER without a skimmer, or at least with a crappy skimmer.

I wonder if Marie would trade me her Bubble king for a GSP encrusted SeaClone? Might be just the ticket for her tank

[midgetwaiter]

All jokes aside, all you can really infer from this is that the skimmer doesn't seem to do what we thought it did in terms of DOC, at least not directly. Nobody can really advocate ditching their skimmers based on this.

[i have crabs]

Originally Posted by midgetwaiter

All jokes aside, all you can really infer from this is that the skimmer doesn't seem to do what we thought it did in terms of DOC, at least not directly. Nobody can really advocate ditching their skimmers based on this.

speak for yourself, i just ditched 2 rs250's in the trash

[Myka]

Originally Posted by PoonTang

I wonder if Marie would trade me her Bubble king for a GSP encrusted SeaClone? Might be just the ticket for her tank

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

[marie]

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