ok a skimmer is not a mechanical or biological form of filtration so the wisper wont be the replacement. Ok a simple run down on skimmers is
A skimmer works at molecular level, the ions (positive or negative atoms) in fish poop is negative and air bubbles are positive. Free floating dissolved fish waste is attracted to these bubbles in the skimmer chamber. The bubbles then flow up the chamber into the foam area. From there it will pop releasing all the fish poop into a cup. They indirectly lower nitrates. Although it might seem simple, its hard to find the right skimmer, do not get air powered skimmers, they are useless and a waste of money, do not get prism skimmers, they are useless and a waste of money. What you want is a good quality, reverse flow venturi skimmer. These are actually worth the money. Of course tehre are dozens of brands and most of them are also rip offs so you will need to find the right brand. All i know of a good brand is AquaC, coralife is okish but the lower models have a tendancy to break down.
You will probably need a skimmer if you are doing a reef tank, if you arent having a reef tank and dont want a skimmer, you will need to do more water changes. Personally, the expensive cost of skimmer saves more money than constantly buying more salt mix. Of course, skimmer or not you will still need to change water, just that if you have the skimmer maybe a bit less.
A skimmer works at molecular level, the ions (positive or negative atoms) in fish poop is negative and air bubbles are positive. Free floating dissolved fish waste is attracted to these bubbles in the skimmer chamber. The bubbles then flow up the chamber into the foam area. From there it will pop releasing all the fish poop into a cup. They indirectly lower nitrates. Although it might seem simple, its hard to find the right skimmer, do not get air powered skimmers, they are useless and a waste of money, do not get prism skimmers, they are useless and a waste of money. What you want is a good quality, reverse flow venturi skimmer. These are actually worth the money. Of course tehre are dozens of brands and most of them are also rip offs so you will need to find the right brand. All i know of a good brand is AquaC, coralife is okish but the lower models have a tendancy to break down.
You will probably need a skimmer if you are doing a reef tank, if you arent having a reef tank and dont want a skimmer, you will need to do more water changes. Personally, the expensive cost of skimmer saves more money than constantly buying more salt mix. Of course, skimmer or not you will still need to change water, just that if you have the skimmer maybe a bit less.
