Thoughts on these corals?

[jcook54]

It may not be a "must have" but every tank I have and the tanks of my fellow reefers who's tanks look great have them. It's one of the most basic parts of nutrient export. You can absolutely keep a tank without a skimmer but in my experience that just means water changes have to be more frequent. The 4 most important components, in my opinion, are a heater, lights, skimmer and powerheads. Aside from the tank itself, these items are the main one's I that I buy the absolute best I can afford.

I've got a good friend that runs a 25g lagoon and his tank looks great without a skimmer. He's ran it for years and just ordered one yesterday because he got tired of doing water changes every week and still dealing with algae.

 

[ichthyoid]

Aside from removing waste via the 'skimming' action, a skimmer's essential role is really gas exchange.
This function is lost on many, but provides huge surface area for O2 to enter & especially for excess CO2 to exit the water column.
The CO2 disolved in an aquarium affects alkalinity & pH. The skimmer's function at night, after lights go out, is especially helpful in stabilizing these.

 

[ichthyoid]

Also, a 'must have' is a source of pure water. You can start off (with a small system) by buying water, but you'll soon get weary of lugging it back from the store.
Along with cleaning a tank, water changes are at/near the top of the list of things we don't enjoy doing, but are essential.
Design your setup so that making & disposing of saltwater is as easy & efficient as possible.
Ask to go look at (or for pictures of) some experienced reefer's water mixing set ups.
Get as many ideas as possible, before deciding on what you need.

 

[Ak_tk48]

Also, a 'must have' is a source of pure water. You can start off (with a small system) by buying water, but you'll soon get weary of lugging it back from the store.
Along with cleaning a tank, water changes are at/near the top of the list of things we don't enjoy doing, but are essential.
Design your setup so that making & disposing of saltwater is as easy & efficient as possible.
Ask to go look at (or for pictures of) some experienced reefer's water mixing set ups.
Get as many ideas as possible, before deciding on what you need.

Seema obvious now, but I didnt think too hard about this

 

[ActiveAngel]

Seema obvious now, but I didnt think too hard about this

No worries. You’re here and asking the right questions. There’s just a lot to absorb regardless of if you’re going fast or slow.

Keep doing what you’re doing! Lots of great advice posted so far.

 

[bzb]

Thanks for taking the time to comment. Whys the skimmer a must? Ive been told for others that it may not be.

For me, two reasons: it’s the most reliable (and visible!) method of nutrient export and I really like feeding my animals (and having a large bio load)

It’s also a great way to ensure your water is well aerated, and combo with the overflow it’ll reduce the oily surface layer.

 

[Ak_tk48]

@ActiveAngel Im picking it up on monday! doing a whole lot of reading after work

 

[ActiveAngel]

Awesome! And keep reaching out with questions, especially regarding advice that may seem contradictory. Myself, and others, can help explain the finer points and details to help everything make sense.