to skim or not to skim
 

so do you use a skimmer or not...whats your opinion on skimming?

skimmer - Good!

being totally new to the hobby i keep hearing opinions from both side of the fence...some even claim that protein skimming removes useful nutrients from the water is that true? does that effect how often water changes need to be done?

I heard that stuff to when I started in the hobby. I don't care how good your skimmer is there is still massive nutrients in your water. plus dumping a full cup of stinky, sticky goo is satisfying! lol.

can you keep a great tank without a skimmer? sure
Is it easier to do with one? absolutely

I dont use a skimmer however I beleive that they are very beneficial for removing excessive nutrients, but with frequent water changes you do not necessarily need one. My next set up will most defintly have a skimmer though.

I recently setup a 50g without a skimmer, 3 months in I shut it down. I have enough algae in it to start my own ocean.

The skimmer debate isn't as simple as yes or no. You need to look at tank size and what species you plan on keeping.

Can you keep a successful Fish Only without a smimmer? Yes.
Can you keep and successful nano reef without a skimmer? Yes.
Can you keep a mixed reef without a skimmer? Depending on size, Yes and No
Can you keep SPS without a skimmer? Depending on tank size, Maybe...but I wouldn't have the patience to try.

That being said, I have a 150 gallon that I skim the hell out of, and a nano that I run skimmerless and filterless.

+1

If budget is an issue then try without, but if you have the means to get a skimmer then use the technology. It will save you a lot of headaches. Why mess with something that has proven track record.

i run a useless prism skimmer on my 29gal tank, run it full bore and never get any skimmate but it does keep oxygen in the water for my fishies, my 50 gal has only a turf scrubber in the sump, no skimmer at all, so far i have had great luck keeping the big 3 undetectable in the tank and my sps is growing, 70 gal total volume and only a 10 gal waterchange every month or so