Share ko lang po ang experience ko sa skimmers. They are still a good way of exporting some nutrients in our systems. Pero kung walang other nutrient (nitrate phosphate) export method na gagamitin tataas pa rin ang nutrients kahit pa gamitin ang pinaka malalakas n[code][/code]a skimmers like reef octopus etc. Heto po ang link about this:
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2010/1/aafeature. In fact many reefers including some of our members here in rp like sir Meynard are having success in their reeftanks without using protein skimmers. I'm not saying don't use them but besides these equipment you must have other ways to export nutrients in your reeftanks.
For nitrate removal you can use this methods:
1. algae refugiums with chaeto or other macro algae. I have chaeto lighted 18hrs a day in my nano and they keep nutrients very low.
2. Algal turf scrubbers
3. Deep sand beds
4. Carbon dosing like biopellets vodka and vinegar dosing
For phophate removal:
1. Granular ferric oxide like rowaphos in a phosphate reactor is still one of the most effective
2. Macro algaes olso remove phosphate
3. Carbon dosing