how long do you run your protein skimmer?

Roy 9121 · Oct 14, 2017

I've been running n my PS 24/7, but I wondering if I could cut that back. Maybe 12 hours a day? And, if so, should I run it while the lights are on our off?

reeferfoxx · Oct 14, 2017

24/7 365 here. Helps not just for dissolved organics but keeps the water oxygenated.

kinetic · Oct 14, 2017

I don't know anyone that runs it on a schedule other than 24/7. What are your concerns of running it all day?

DSC reef · Oct 14, 2017

24/7 Only time it's off is during a water change and feeding. I would leave it on.

Scott.h · Oct 14, 2017

It's ok if you don't run it all the time. It all depends on the tank. If you have a low bio load and a lower nutrient system, running it all the time my strip the system too far. That's the case with one of my tanks but I also struggle with ph. The compromise for me is lowering the bubbles down inside the neck and skimming as dry as I can. You may find only running it at night might keep your ph more level. There is no correct answer.

DSC reef · Oct 14, 2017

Roy 9121 said:
I've been running n my PS 24/7, but I wondering if I could cut that back. Maybe 12 hours a day? And, if so, should I run it while the lights are on our off?

What's the reason why you want to cut back? How many fish do you have? Oxygenation, like posted previously is alone reason enough to keep it running.

daelie · Oct 14, 2017

24/7 here as well.

Roy 9121 · Oct 14, 2017

DSC reef said:
What's the reason why you want to cut back? How many fish do you have? Oxygenation, like posted previously is alone reason enough to keep it running.

Mainly because I'm running out of plugs on my test strip. The only plugs I have left are on the timer side, so I'm trying to move some stuff around. Right now I have 4 fish in a 55 gallon tank.

Smashville · Oct 14, 2017

Scott.h · Oct 14, 2017

Roy 9121 said:
Mainly because I'm running out of plugs on my test strip. The only plugs I have left are on the timer side, so I'm trying to move some stuff around. Right now I have 4 fish in a 55 gallon tank.

Buy an 8 outlet strip.