skim or not?

im setting up a tank and have heard both ways y and n on skimmers im doing fish only untill i get a good routine then and inverts please give me the low down

 

Welcome to 3reef.

Skimming really all depends on the types of fish you are keeping, the bio-load (how many fish, how often you are feeding).

The size of the tank?

Having a skimmer gives you a greater margin of error depending on the quality of the skimmer.

For newer hobbyist I do recommend one.

If this is a nano tank with a few fish, soft corals, light feedings, you can get away with routine water changes.

 

IMO a skimmer isn't needed for a fish only tank.

 

As C mentions, size does matter

I find that smaller skimmers are more finicky and tougher to dial in, especially if you don't have an auto top off and your water level varies. For larger tanks/skimmers I wouldn't do without one.

 

Yup

 

Will you be planning on a sump? IMO, in sump skimmers tend to work better then HOB's. I do believe in skimmers, but again, size of tank is the main question.

 

Tank size and bio-load are huge factors. I keep sps in a 20 gal high with two fish, without a skimmer just fine. However, you need to be up with your weekly maintenance!

 

I wouldn't bother skimming if less than about 30g. If larger it is most likely worth doing so, but still only if you buy a decent skimmer. Cheap skimmers will cause more headaches regardless of the tank.

 

+1, it makes your life easier and gives you a cushion if something happens like a fish death you can't get out or overfeeding etc. But not a must have. Just a quality of life issue.