[tmkx3]

I just set-up my tank so far all it has is sand water and a skimmer. I bought a prizm pro. I just read that their are some people who don't like this skimmer. The cost of the skimmer wasn't why I purchased it. It was recommended by the lfs. He had other skimmers there. He even had a sump with a skimmer and a refuge. I asked about that system and he said that for a fowlr tank all I needed was the prizm. He said that it was the easiest to operate and the sump situation wasn't needed. He never even mention any of the other higher priced skimmers like the aqua c. Why would he push this skimmer if it wasn't any good? I am now questioning my purchase. THis skimmer is supposed to service 300g. It was very easy to set-up and I haven't really noticed any noise. IT's very quiet.

Oh, this lfs said that with a protein skimmer and lr that I didn't need to cycle the tank,that I could add some fish as soon as the tank settled.2-3 days. I have also been told this same thing by a few different lfs. Is this true? I don't want to cycle with fish.

[Reefland]

I don't think the skimmer is effective for a 125-gallon tank more-less a 300-gallon rated capacity. The LFS may not have pushed the skimmer due to overall price, but maybe due to his profit (not sure what the Prism's wholesale for). Either way, I don't think you will be satisfied with this skimmer in the long run.

On the sump, it may not be needed but it would surely be welcome. Not only is the extra volume helpful but the place to put unsightly equipment is just a useful. Before you get too far into this, I would consider a sump with a more powerful skimmer. Sure FO tanks can operate with higher levels of nitrate but if it don't have to, there is no reason to do it.

On the cycle, if you used "Full Cured" liverock, that is rock that has been curing in a vat for several weeks and will encounter no die-off in transit to your place, that is possible. I would still wait a couple of weeks just to get the hang of the mechanical aspects of the system.