[Clownfish518]

There is nothing natural about a reef tank. We don't use natural seawater, we don't use natural lighting, we don't have natural food sources, we don't have a natural mix of corals and fishes. So why do so many people want to avoid skimmers as they are unnatural? And why do people try to defend skimmers by saying they are natural?

I tend toward more natural systems, as in my experience they are less prone to failures, but if there is a good piece of technology like an vortech I embrace it wholeheartedly. Its not about what I want or prefer, its about what is best for my corals and fishes. The question should not be whether we skim or not, but whether the animals are better off with skimmers or not.

Within our skill and budget we should do what is best for the tank, and that should be the main consideration when making the decision to skim or not to skim