Hummm...
Skimmer/no skimmer...
Sand/no sand...
I firmly believe today that live sand make a huge difference for any system.
It's just too personal, I guess, and it probably wouldn't make you change back to add sand again, I would think. Same with the skimmer.
If you keep a sharp eye on your system you'll find your answers in the long run.
1) SAND:
Live sand contributes a lot to the area of the bio-filtration and the aspect of any marine aquarium. I personally tried for many times bare bottom, pebbles and sand. There is no question that those systems with live sand were the most stable, rich in life and also the most natural looking ones. I just had an experience with that last year. So I wouldn't remove the sand again. No way.
I also like the oolitic aragonite the best, but I had other types of substrate and most of them will do a great job. I don't like silica based substrates.
2)SKIMMER:
I do not believe that any of the organisms we keep would do better without a good skimmer running. Basically the skimmer will remove those isolated impurities on micro-bubbles 24/7, and keep the tank more stable. Also, when there is any dead organism the skimmer will help to keep the tank in shape.
When I do my partial water change with natural seawater the skimmer helps to remove any excess of organics or dead bacteria.
To consolidate the skimmer's importance just think about that dark gunk, as filthy as it is, not being removed daily and consequently accumulating, instead...
The best aquariums in the world I've seen all had a nice sand bed and a skimmer.
This was a very simple way I found to explain to my kids what skimmers and sand beds are for.
:fish1:
3) CARBON
I like to use carbon slightly to help keep the stability of water clarity. I think that is important, so between water changes we have no problems with the yellow/green appearance of the water, changing the spectrum. GAC will remove organics and help keep an algae free tank, avoiding the use of those GFOs that so many of us had problems keeping zoas and corals. GAC also helps coralline algae to thrive.
4) AQUABLUE SPECIAL.
Nothing against it. Had mine for many years. Last year I had a system with 2 Aquablue Specials and 6 Blue Plus bulbs. Great bulbs!!! Matter of Taste.
5)UV.
Unnecessary, but sometimes useful. Nothing against it. It would be something else to change bulbs every year. Never had UV in any of my salt/fresh water systems. It doesn't hurt, but you should keep an eye for leaks and remember to change the bulbs. Not a big deal. The UV will help a lot to keep algae down and perhaps avoid parasites infestations. I prefer to do quarantine organisms for parasites and do NOT introduce them in the first place.
I think there are lots of bacteria that need to move in our system and corals/zoas will have some benefit from those. Without the UV they can circulate through the system and offer a more natural environment, not too sterile.
UV is an excellent tool for fish only tanks if you do maintenance services.
Not rules, just my perspective.
Waiting for others...
PS.: You should consider to glue some zoas on those pipes.
Grandis.
