Judge my set-up

[blennymower]

For SPS

20g Tank (24"Lx16"Hx12"W)
10g Sump with Refugium (Macro-algae and sand)
ATI Sunpower 4x24watts
2 MJ400(106gph) PH for flow

Husbandry: Weekly water changes. Bi-weekly activated carbon change.

No skimmer. I have read for tanks this small it may be detrimental to have one (removing fauna and trace elements).

Thanks

 

[allsps40]

No you will want a skimmer on a sps tank. You will want more flow then just a MJ600 also.

 

[kaserpick]

Like allsps40 said, it's highly recommended that you use a skimmer on a SPS dominated tank, but it can be done without the use of one. Jack (Fsurocks99) has done it on a 14g, and I've done it on a 30g. It requires lots of WC's. I changed out at least 20% of my water every week.

On the other hand, flow needs to be higher. If you're looking for a cheaper route than a Vortech, I'd go with Koralia's.

 

[urbaneks]

If you are diligent with weekly water changes you can get away without the skimmer for some of the easier SPS (birds nest, monti caps). I have had my 28g NC running for 16 months with these corals plus an acro with great success. Link to tank thread if you care to see it. You will need more flow as was suggested earlier. I have two MJ1200's running as return pumps and a MJ900 for circulation. Best of luck with the setup.

 

[Acrotrdco]

On the contrary, I've been running a BM150 Pro (rated for 150 gallon) on my 25g nano-reef tank for waaay over a year without any problem, it was the heart of my system and kept nutrient low. I also ran GAC 24x7 in that system,

However, I did dose trace elements daily (via dosing pump) to suppliment those being skimmed out by it.

 

[kaserpick]

On the contrary, I've been running a BM150 Pro (rated for 150 gallon) on my 25g nano-reef tank for waaay over a year without any problem, it was the heart of my system and kept nutrient low. I also ran GAC 24x7 in that system,

However, I did dose trace elements daily (via dosing pump) to suppliment those being skimmed out by it.

I agree with this, as well. I also ran a 30g with a BK180 mini, and it was great. I skimmed wet so I'm sure I pulled out some of the essentials, but like you said, dosing them on a regular basis fixed that.

In the end, both styles can work. Skimmer or skimmerless, they both require diligence and time/money. You'll pay more in time with no skimmer, but save on the actual money. Either way, you'll pay.