Do I need to run my skimmer?

[Ironclad]

I have a skimmer but have not run it in a week. My nitrate is 1 and phosphate is at .3. I would rather my nitrates be a little higher than that but just wanted to make sure there wasn't a reason that I should run the skimmer for anything other than nutrient control.

 

[Cell]

Skimmers also provide additional aeration/O2 exchange. If you have sufficient water movement/surface breakage with powerheads, you have nothing to worry about.

 

[PM Corals]

Airration and ph

 

[Spare time]

You can run it so that it isn't collecting anything (by adjusting its settings) and keeping it on for oxygenation.

 

[exnisstech]

This is how I run my skimmers. Works great on my three tanks

 

[Ironclad]

LOL yeah, I hadn't thought of that. I am not concerned about oxygenation. I have tons of surface movement. I also have a fuge to help me with the ph. Eh, I may run it just because it can't hurt. Thanks guys!

 

[PharmrJohn]

You can run it so that it isn't collecting anything (by adjusting its settings) and keeping it on for oxygenation.

Perfect.

 

[VintageReefer]

This is how I run my skimmers. Works great on my three tanks

I use the @exnisstech method also. Dialed in perfectly

 

[GARRIGA]

I'm considering obtaining a used skimmer just to run it purely for gas exchange. Plus I'll be one of the cool kids

 

[VintageReefer]

I'm considering obtaining a used skimmer just to run it purely for gas exchange. Plus I'll be one of the cool kids

I feel my skimmer provides valuable surface area for beneficial bacteria. Am I using it wrong ?

Maybe I should add another in case I need to seed another tank

 

[GARRIGA]

I feel my skimmer provides valuable surface area for beneficial bacteria. Am I using it wrong ?

Maybe I should add another in case I need to seed another tank

I thought it wasn't running like the other you replied too. Are my eyes that bad

 

[VintageReefer]

I thought it wasn't running like the other you replied too. Are my eyes that bad

lol it’s unplugged. It’s essential a non porous piece of live rock.

I plugged it in for a few days after a chemiclean dosing, but other than that it’s been unplugged for 2 years. I just leave it in the sump in case I need it

 

[GARRIGA]

lol it’s unplugged. It’s essential a non porous piece of live rock.

I plugged it in for a few days after a chemiclean dosing, but other than that it’s been unplugged for 2 years. I just leave it in the sump in case I need it

Fair to say you get all the needed gas exchange from your scrubber? Have a DO meter and plan on testing with lights on and off to see how my oxygen levels run. PH will let me know how effective on co2. Might not need that skimmer after all. Fingers crossed.

 

[william Lutman]

I have a skimmer but have not run it in a week. My nitrate is 1 and phosphate is at .3. I would rather my nitrates be a little higher than that but just wanted to make sure there wasn't a reason that I should run the skimmer for anything other than nutrient control.

Skimmers are also added level of security. I have had a active skimmer suddenly pull out a mountain of snot when I had a side issue in the tank. I try and run a skimmer rated 2-3 times the system volume.

 

[PharmrJohn]

I'm considering obtaining a used skimmer just to run it purely for gas exchange. Plus I'll be one of the cool kids

And you need to be cool. If you don't, we'll regard you with scorn and disdain!

 

[VintageReefer]

Fair to say you get all the needed gas exchange from your scrubber? Have a DO meter and plan on testing with lights on and off to see how my oxygen levels run. PH will let me know how effective on co2. Might not need that skimmer after all. Fingers crossed.

Between my scrubber and typical overflow, rear open cabinet, and weirs in my sump I feel do. I have a solid lid but had a a few rows of holes added to give some ventilation as well

 

[VintageReefer]

I will add my scrubber may be better at this than others because it’s driven by air. A dual outlet air pump is running 24x7 to provide current in/out of the scrubber and to oxygenate the growing chamber directly

 

[GARRIGA]

And you need to be cool. If you don't, we'll regard you with scorn and disdain!

Lacking a tank build... Some likely already do...