Should a Noob Run Skimmerless?

[>>klong<<]

After turning on my skimmer for the first time this weekend, I definitely notice a lot more noise coming from my cabinet. I am also not getting any skimmate (I suspect my bioload of 2 fish, a couple of inverts and sparse feeding is too low for the RO Classic 150SSS), This has gotten me to thinking if I should just ditch the skimmer and start a refugium now.

I know that this has been discussed elsewhere on the board. All of the threads I've seen seem to be focused on a more experienced reefer. Any advice or warnings about this approach for someone new to the hobby?

I don't have a ton of real estate to play with in the sump, but without the skimmer I could have a pretty huge refugium if required. I'm could also load up on bio media, either in the sump or by converting the ATO reservoir on top of the sump (new larger reservoir on the way).

In case it matters:
Temp: 77.5-78.4
pH: 7.7-8.1
Ammonia: 0
Nitrite: 0
Nitrate: 10-20
Alk: 7.0
Ca: 420
Salinity: 32ppt

In case you haven't seen enough RSR sumps:

 

[Spare time]

Skimmers have a break in period so if it isn't skimming properly at first that is normal. They are not too difficult. You just have to tune it in and do some cleaning every once in a while. Whether you would rather have a refugium or not is up to you. Biomedia won't hurt.

 

[fishguy242]

hi,if going reef,keep skimmer..jmo

 

[Spare time]

PS nice job on keeping the sump clean.

 

[Fish_Sticks]

Keep the skimmer, but if you plan on keeping LPS and soft corals like mushrooms, you'd be better of only running it occasionally - especially if this is a new setup... They like the water a little dirty.

I've been trying out my skimmer on a timer - 15 minutes every hour, wet skimmed to drain out and back into the water... mainly for oxygenation, but the skimmer lid and cup walls still collect a bit of gunk. Best of both worlds.

Will be hooking the skimmer air intake up with tube line to a window today for fresh oxygen.

 

[Saltyreef]

Keep skimmer for good gas exchange in your system.
I think thats the most overlooked aspect of a skimmer

 

[DC Reefer]

I know a lot of folks go with only a refugium and get good results. I tried it on my RS170 and just cleaned out the refugium and put in a skimmer. I had algae all over the tank. The tank was lightly stocked with fish and was feeding lightly 1 time per day and had the Fuge light going 24/7. A couple of weeks after adding the skimmer, the algae is about 75% gone and I am feeding a little heavier and 2X day. I have Skimmers on my other two tanks and just a lot more comfortable with them

 

[homer1475]

Use the ATO container as the fuge, and keep the skimmer. I've seen this done numerous times with the red sea sumps.

Besides the skimmer does more then just remove waste.