Is a skimmer really necessary?

well I would of course do 90% water changes just like she does. I don't really have any problems. I guess I dont have to change my ways because I am not looking to buy another skimmer soon anyways. So I cant get back the money I have already spent so oh well.
 
I hate to say this, but why in the world are you doing 90% water changes?? Whats up with that.. The most I ever changed out of a tank is 15% tops.. Usually 10% is fine... I can't see her changing 90% out of her tank.. Her salt would add up to be astronomical after a few months... Unless she is next to the beach and using sea water?????

You better check with her....I don't think with LR and Fish you should be doing 90% water changes... You sure she doesn't mean 10% with 90% remaining in the tank?

Just curious??
Spankey
 
I'm sure she does 90% every two weeks,she is backed with a lot of money so she doesnt have to worry about buying stuff and she pre mixex water and ages it I believe she has 300g total that is ready at all times to be put into a tank. So everything is pre mixed and all,I personally have only seen the tanks upstairs,but down stairs its a maze of tanks and wires and stuff,she filters the water before its put into the tanks I its all healthy and stuff I guess. Its got some LR in it too. I have been friends with her for a few years and I trust her. I guess the key lies in the water she ages before. its in a huge room in buckets with filter running etc. She also has a huge room full of supplies salt,meds,etc. I told her she should make a business out of it but she says it'd be to complicated.
 
Well, all I can say is if I had to change 90 percent of the water twice a month, I would have given up the hobby soon after I started. The problem I see here is you are assuming my friend, that you will somehow get improved water by removing your skimmer. Your skimmer certainly isn't adding to your nitrate problem. At any rate, if you are willing to change that much water on multiple tanks every 2 weeks OF COURSE you will have better water, assuming you are not adding phosphates, metals etc., with your water supply from the tap. To me, it sounds like way too much work for what is supposed to be a relaxing hobby... some would even suggest it could be unhealthy for the fish, especially if you start slipping and are not keeping up with the rigorous schedule and changing that much water less often. Massive water changes on older, established tanks can create PH shock, which is far more stressful than the nitrate issue you're worrying about.
 
well I have decided to stick to my own regimen. She can do it her way. I just thought it was amazing how healthy and clean everything is without a skimmer. I have skimmers myself and now have no nitrate or any sort of water problems. My fish and water and everything else are quite healthy and happy. So obviously my routine works. Hers works for her as well. So I am doing things my way and she can do them her way. I will continue to be amazed by her healthy stock and beautiful tanks and I will continue buying and traded from and with her. I guess she doesnt mind doing the labor. She doesnt have a job anyways so its not like she doesnt have time. And she doesnt use tap water. Anyways thanx for all your opinions and insight.
 
Dude-

I don't think we are trying to sound as if you aren't right at what you are saying.. In now way I meant that at all.. But unless she is sharing that cash with YOU!!!! I would stick with your plan... I have a 46 gallon bow( here is my tank http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=43449) with a very crappy Visi-Jet skimmer on it.. Mind you I modded it but still it pulls out some crap every day.. I only change about 10% water every Sunday, thats roughly 4.5 gallons.. And every week before the water change my tests are totally zero.. I only spend about $10.00 on salt every two months.... I use RO water for the mix that I supply.. So in the long run as stated above.. To me it really sounds like way to much work for this type of hobby.. My buddy owned a successfull pet store and he had over 40/ 30 gallon tanks of saltwater fish for sale.. It was on a main sump and such..... And every week we only changed 5% of his water.. He had a HUGE skimmer on the tank and of course his tests were also zero...

The reason why people with smaller tanks can get away without skimmers is because they have to do water changes to keep the parameters down.. If they spike to quick to fast they could loose everything.. A larger tank can run the risk. Theres more water volume...

Out of the 90% of people in the saltwater hobby will tell you that a skimmer is the way to go no questions asked.. The other 10% will say na.....

Its really BIO load, schedule and really personal choice... Just my 2 cents worth.... You will know if you need a skimmer or not as you may have found out already!!!!

Good luck.

Spankey
 
I wasnt intending to be rude and I in no way thought you guys were questiong my integrity or my reasoning. I had thoughtful answers by all of you which I enjoyed and honored. I liked the responses and its fun to see eveyrones opinion.
 
Fish-

I just didn't want you to think that we didn't believe that your friend was doing that.. Just to most of us it seems $$$$ Economicaly crazy.. Most of us will vouch for this.. We don't really have money nor time to throw away just on bi weekly water changes at 90%... Thats all..

I worded my last post wrong.. I just hoped you didn't think that anyone thought you didn't know what you were talking about...Because,lets face it. We all do it different... Thats what makes everyones tanks not the same ;)

Take care and best of luck to you!!

Spankey
 
oh dont worry I know you guys and gals meant no harm. Yeah we all do things different. And yeah I wish I had the $$ to do it too. I guess when your dad owns restaurantsa dn apartments $$$ doesnt make much of a diff. Thankyou guys for the input and all. I am pleased to know that some people use skimmers and some dont.
 
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