Equipment

[Erick Merfeld]

If I add a RO system and a skimmer will that help keep nitrates down for a longer period of time than not having a skimmer and RO system?

 

[Windy]

You will reduce nitrates, but I do not understand the use of "for a longer period".

 

[redfishbluefish]

Here's my take on this:

1. RO with DI is a necessary piece of equipment....or you're buying your RO/DI water from your local LFS.

2. Yes, a skimmer does remove nitrates...and even more if you are carbon dosing or using Biopellets. However, if you have a small tank...a nano....you can get away from having a skimmer by doing water changes.

 

[twilliard]

Skimmers themselves do not remove nitrates they remove organic compounds before they have a chance to be reduced to nitrates.
So it will help keep no3 reduced
RODI ensures a clean salt mix free of harmful contaminants

 

[redfishbluefish]

Oh boy @twilliard , I'm coming over and slap you silly with a wet noodle.

You are correct....I was just simplifing the answer. To further expound on skimmer function and nitrate removal with carbon dosing/biopellets, it is actually removing bacteria that are loaded with nitrogen containing organic compounds that if allowed to die and decompose in your tank, would cause for a rise in nitrates. So the skimmer is indirectly reducing nitrates by pulling out nitrogen containing bacteria/organic compounds before they decompose, adding to your nitrate level.

 

[twilliard]

Oh boy @twilliard , I'm coming over and slap you silly with a wet noodle.

You are correct....I was just simplifing the answer. To further expound on skimmer function and nitrate removal with carbon dosing/biopellets, it is actually removing bacteria that are loaded with nitrogen containing organic compounds that if allowed to die and decompose in your tank, would cause for a rise in nitrates. So the skimmer is indirectly reducing nitrates by pulling out nitrogen containing bacteria/organic compounds before they decompose, adding to your nitrate level.

First smile of the day! Thank you

 

[Erick Merfeld]

You will reduce nitrates, but I do not understand the use of "for a longer period".

Sorry I meant nitrates will take longer to build and grow with the equipment than without it?

 

[twilliard]

Sorry I meant nitrates will take longer to build and grow with the equipment than without it?

This is correct

 

[twilliard]

Sorry I am too technical some times.
Happy thanksgiving!

 

[Erick Merfeld]

Its all good lol Happy Thanksgiving to all as well!

I have a 55 gallon tank. Is that big enough to justify a skimmer? I think my next purchase will be an RO system and then possibly a skimmer.

Any suggestions on what brand, size, and type of skimmer and RO system for my 55 gallon tank?

 

[twilliard]

Its all good lol Happy Thanksgiving to all as well!

I have a 55 gallon tank. Is that big enough to justify a skimmer? I think my next purchase will be an RO system and then possibly a skimmer.

Any suggestions on what brand, size, and type of skimmer and RO system for my 55 gallon tank?

I think what would justify a skimmer depends on how you feed, what the bioload is and how often you change water.
The buildup of DOC's may cause a headache down the road.
Now spectrapure has great prices for your rodi

 

[Erick Merfeld]

Sorry I am new to all of this stuff. Trying to learn everything and build to be a great reefer! What do you mean by DOC?

 

[twilliard]

Choosing a skimmer can be a daunting task.
Most that i have bought became door stops.
Took me years to understand what makes a skimmer good, bad, or the ugly.
Cleaning is a must! Look how they come apart for cleaning.
Now if you go hob make sure you can fit your hand in the neck
Look at the pumps, can you get parts?
There is a whole list of things to consider

 

[twilliard]

Sorry I am new to all of this stuff. Trying to learn everything and build to be a great reefer! What do you mean by DOC?

DOC's are dissolved organic compounds
You will know you are high if you see a film on the top of the water.
This will break down into no3 eventually

 

[Erick Merfeld]

That's what I have in my tank now is that film. I am doing a big water change tonight to help get everything back to where it needs to be before it kills everything in my tank. The RO and skimmer would help this out correct?

 

[twilliard]

It wont kill stuff but may lead to unwanted algaes. A drastic increase of no3 my harm if high DOC's are left unchecked. A good skimmer will help to reduce this issue.
Your rodi will keep unwanted elements out of your makeup water

 

[Erick Merfeld]

okay thank you. In your option, what is the best food for corals? I want my corals to grow fast, strong, and colorful!

 

[twilliard]

okay thank you. In your option, what is the best food for corals? I want my corals to grow fast, strong, and colorful!

This is a tough one! You will get a lot of opinions on this.
The best food for my corals are the fish and the high quality food they get.
Now depending on nutrient level, lighting, and flow has a huge impact on color.
I dose no3 along with feeding the fish to help maintain colors
If you get too low on nutrients with high alkalinity that can spell trouble for the coral.

 

[Erick Merfeld]

I will let you know what all I'm working with when I get home. No3?

 

[twilliard]

No3 is nitrate sorry about that!