Why use a skimmer on a nano?

[peco54]

Hey, great thread by the way! As a newb, I'm learning alot

 

I'd just like to propose a question. If your skimmer isn't pulling out much "gunk" (1/2 cup or less of skimmate in 3 weeks) is it safe to conclude that you can remove the skimmer without causing any deleterious effects? My reasoning is simple:

 

If there is very little your skimmer can actually pull out, and you do waterchanges regularly to continuously dilute or replenish the "stuff" that is being skimmed (either harmful or beneficial), the only advantage I can see of having a skimmer is for gas exchange and oxegenation(sp?). Is this correct?

 

The reason I'm asking is because I have a 40 gallon tank and currently I'm running a Remora Skimmer on it. After I got through the initial cycling stage, the Remora has stopped pulling much "gunk" out of the water. The Remora (however "small" it is compared to other skimmers) really is not visually appealing and I would like to remove it if it isn't doing much for my tank anymore.

 

Thanks

-peco