As far as I know its apples to oranges. You can run either or both or neither depending on your system. Most people recommend a skimmer for a reef system although some go without and take other precautions to remove dissolved organic solids. The reactor is for media such as carbon or phosphate binders which are good things to have as well but you could remove phosphates with other things like macroalgae such as chaeto. I personally think running carbon is a good thing no matter what whether it be via a reactor or a media bag or some other means....
FWIW I run carbon in a media bag a reactor for phos ban and a skimmer (actually two now.) Oh and I also grow chaeto in my sump...
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