55 GAL Freshwater to Saltwater

[porcupinepuffer]

I don't run a skimmer and do 15% water change monthly on my 20g tank. I also have a HOB fuge with chaeto macro algea in it and run a low fish load ( two small fish ). I keep only lps and softies in this tank as these corals don't require pristine water conditions like stoney corals.
It's been going strong for two years with no casualty. IMO skimmer is good but not a  must have.

but also, this is a small tank, something triple the size and larger can really add up and become really annoying changing water and buying salt $. One thing's for sure, when I empty my skimmer, I'm sure glad I'm not the inhabitants if my skimmer wasn't present.

[Alchemist]

Yeah...I don't like the smell or look of the stuff I get out of my skimmer and it's only a 25g tank.  Got to say that I like my mech filter though as I occasionally stir up the crushed coral and sand to clean it a little and the fine particles get nicely cleaned by the filter.  Also I can put a large amount of carbon in there to take out chemical nasties from the coral, this is the most important thing for me with such a small tank and corals close to each other.  The phosphate remover saves me investing in expensive RO/DI water too.  I know there's a nitrate issue from mech filters but it's easy to take out the sponge prefilters and just rinse them in tankwater every now and then

[kennyman]

But you have to remember that corals, especially the soft ones can utilize much of what comes out in your protein skimmer. The skimate contains macro and micro nutrients that could have been used in photosynthesis to support the growth of corals and macro algae.

[beertech]

Obviously there are many different opinions on how to go about setting up your first s.w. tank.All of the advice I have read here is good and absolutely correct.You just have to keep in mind that each of these people could have a different type of set-up, as well as a different financial situation. The first and most important thing you need to do is decide what you are going to keep for the first 6 months to 1 year of your tank's life.By that time you'll be totally hooked and ready to change or upgrade anyway!Research that specific type of set-up on this and other forums(I don't think there will be any objection to a referal to reefcentral here), and then take your time and start by filling and cycling the tank.You can add the appropriate lights, powerheads and /or skimmer to suit your design as it is cycling.
Good luck and start reading! 

[buzzard]

http://ovas.ca/index.php?topic=16991.0
This is in the classified ads
Complete with Live rock, Live sand and some livestock.

[Alchemist]

http://ovas.ca/index.php?topic=16991.0
This is in the classified ads
Complete with Live rock, Live sand and some livestock.

Looks like a good deal but you'll still need another 20lbs of live rock right?

[az]

Looks like a good deal but you'll still need another 20lbs of live rock right?

not really, its not always lb/gallon, for example 10lbs of totoka rock can take as much space as 5lbs of fiji, since totoka rock is much lighter than fiji, lb/gallon dosent apply here. 

[cn]

but also, this is a small tank, something triple the size and larger can really add up and become really annoying changing water and buying salt $. One thing's for sure, when I empty my skimmer, I'm sure glad I'm not the inhabitants if my skimmer wasn't present.

How often do you do water change with skimmer running for your tank ? I still do 15% -20% water change monthly on my 90g mixed reef that has a sump and skimmer. Most people who runs skimmer still doing water change monthly; How much water to change depends on individuals.