How Soon Should I Use a Skimmer?

[Spare time]

We aren't comparing a fuge to a skimmer or cost. We are trying to provide the poster success. Idk why you would steer someone away from a protein skimmer.
D

Because it's a lot of monkey to fork up that they may not need right away, especially if they are adding a refugium too. There is a misconception that every tank needs a skimmer immediately. Skimmers may even be counter productive in a new tank by draining the biodiversity out of the water column, which is is usually low in a new tank. For example, would you recommend someone get a kessil a500x for a 5 gallon tank? No. There is a right tool for the right job and I argue that a skimmer is not the right tool at this stage of a tank.

 

[Miami Reef]

I like both skimmers and refugiums

But I’d rather just let the algae grow in the display tank and let the herbivores consume it and I’ll skim out the nutrients via the skimmer.

I think using a skimmer is easier. I’m a filter sock + skimmer user.

In my case, I’m starting a tank with some organics caked into the rocks, so I will start my skimmer right away.

 

[Sean Clark]

I didn't vote because I only use my skimmers at the gas pump these days and that wasn't an option... gas pump... skimmer...