Skimmer or not a Skimmer?

[wackey1]

I have a small 8 gallon small reef tank. I have been using the very small and juvenile filter that came with the tank (Alife). However, I have been informed that I can replace the standard filter with a skimmer and it should help the over all quality of the water. However, I have noticed that there seems to be more debris floating around. Should I switch it back to the standard filter or keep the skimmer? Also, I can not get rid of the small micro bubbles no matter how low I turn the intake valve.

I have done one thing and I am not sure if it will work, nor if it will hurt the anything. I have taken some foam and put in the return chamber of the skimmer. It seems to be cutting down on the debris. I figured that since it is the return that it would be ok to add.

When I was using the standard filter I found my self changing 10% of the water every 3 days or so to keep the ammonia and nitrite levels normal.

Maybe the tank is too small for a skimmer?

Please someone help

 

[ChrisRD]

The skimmer won't hurt anything, but on a tank that small you could easily just do a large water change every week or two.

As for the mechanical filtration - if you're going to use something to mechanical filter the water (ie. powerfilter, sponge, etc.) just make sure you clean it frequently or you'll have trouble maintaining good water quality.

HTH