Whats more important?

So basically, whats more important. A protein skimmer or RO/DI unit; assuming i would make tap water changes with a protein skimmer or be protein skimmerless with a ro/di unit.
The tank has some fish and soft corals only...
thanks for the opinions, in advance

 

Well, depends on what corals you're keeping and what your bioload is. If you keep up with weelkly water changes then the RO/DI would go a long way for algae control, but your skimmer will go a long way with keeping your water clean. I'd go skimmer first IMO. But the TDS outta my tap water is REALLY low!

 

I would invest in a good skimmer first. You can always go the store and procure good water out those large machines they keep there. I just got 20 gallons this way, tested it with the TDS meter and it came back zero. This time, it is very good water. Last time, it measured 3. So, it varies, but still a great resource......

 

Trying to skimp on things in this hobby is always bad. IMO both are very important, and not to be without. If you are setting up a new tank go with a RO/DI unit, get the tank setup and cycled, by the time all that's done it will be next month and now you will have recovered that 150-200$ spent on an RO/DI and now you can get your protein skimmer. Both are very important and for someone new it's important not to go without either. If you are running an in-sump setup you can get very cheap skimmers used.

Better Idea yet! Make a "promote 3reef" video and win the contest this month then have a FREE c-skim1200!

 

I would say skimmer first as well. I never could get my tank running quite right until I got a good skimmer. That being said, I'm almost a year into this and I am still on tap and all is well. But, we have good tap here.

 

Jeez, it is coming up on year now.....time flies.

 

I would defitnatily have to say get a skimmer. It helped me out a ton. Wouldn't dream of running a tank without one.

 

In the logical progression, pure water in supersedes trying to purify water later. The RO/DI water is pure. The skimmer is an adjunct to the biological filtration the substrate and live rock provide. Skimmers do not remove phosphate or silicates, RO/DI units do.

 

Get a skimmer and a RO unit instead of an RO/DI, the deionizing aspect makes them more expensive, straight Reverse Osmosis units are not bad.

 

Anthony Calfo recommends only DI vs. RO. Some of the arguements are recharging the resin is cheaper than replacing membranes. No wastewater. Faster, because you can filter at the speed of your spigot flow.