Over skimming: Is it possible?

[ReefingMadness]

I am sure this topic has been wore out. But I wanted to get a few peoples opinion on it. I am starting a new tank again. I am considering going with a 75-90 gallon. I am planning on picking up a used Reef Octopus TDNW-300. I know it is a monster skimmer that is way overrated for my application but I am able to get a good price on it. I plan on going with a larger ( 240-280 gallon) in the next couple years. The tank will be mainly SPS with a moderate to high fish bio-load. My question is would it be okay or would hinder health and growth?

 

[ryanlotz5]

I was told it is possible because skimmers remove a lot of nutrients and calcium/magnesium! But don't take my word for it ! I put my skimmer on my Neptune to come on for an hour and a half every 4 hours


Sleep eat reef repeat !!!

 

[Reefing Madness]

Would mean you could feed alot more than normal. Over skimming allows for a few things that mostworry about, like being able to feed at will and whenever.

 

[ritter6788]

I have a Reef Octopus 200 NWB on my 75. It's related for 250 gallons. I always use the biggest skimmer I can fit on my tanks. I don't believe you can over skim but others will argue the other way.

 

[ryanlotz5]

Very true never thought if that I guess keep up on your dosing and testing calcium feed plentiful and skim 24/7 new game plan for me


Sleep eat reef repeat !!!

 

[mike007]

I think if you are doing sps over skimming will not be a issue. But I would strongly suggest in adding a doser so you can replenish Your ca., alk.and mag. to keep tank stable. Myself I added another skimmer that makes two and I am seeing great results with my sps . Stability is key to housing sps.

 

[ReefingMadness]

I wasn't aware that one could skim elements such as cal, mag, etc. out. I have never used a doser but have contemplated it. I may be able to get a GHL triple unit if not I will get a used Aquamedic unit. I tried to fashion a drip doser a few years ago with little to no success. I like the idea of slow and consistent replenishment instead of manually dosing and big swings.

 

[mike007]

I am using the Proflux dosing pump and It has been awesome In keeping my parameters stable. I don't know how I ever lived without one. I make my 2- part and that really helps save some cash also. Must have with sps corals.

 

[ReefingMadness]

I use BRS two-part. I really like a peristaltic pump. Is there truly a difference between the Profilux and Aquamedic? I am leaning towards the Profilux myself.

 

[mike007]

I had a Bubble Magus but I did not really like it. The proflux is pricey but it is very accurate and once you dial in in it works great.

 

[Tahoe61]

It was my understanding that skimmers really do not remove enough trace element to make any significant difference.
It was also my understanding that you can only remove the amount of DOC/proteins that are available, in other words the use of any efficient skimmer appropriate for the tank volume vs the use of a larger than needed skimmer that the difference would be negligible with regard to the amount of DOC the skimmer removed.

So no basically you can not over skim, is this old school?

 

[Kworker]

No.

 

[spspirate]

I had a Deltec AP701 on a 30 gallon.. Skimmer is rated for 380 gallons.....LOL

 

[tyler1503]

I used to over skim to the point i was just wasting electricity. I used a skimmer rated for 210 gallons on my 24 gal 24/7. I've since cut back to 2 or 3 days on and 4 or 5 days off and pull the same amount of muck out in the week. It was pointless leaving it on any longer. I don't have too many fish, but I like to over feed and my fish are messy eaters.
I don't believe you can over skim to the point of harming anything. With a larger skimmer it takes longer to build up enough waste to actually get a good bubble happening, but I personally don't see any harm.

 

[Kworker]

I used to over skim to the point i was just wasting electricity. I used a skimmer rated for 210 gallons on my 24 gal 24/7. I've since cut back to 2 or 3 days on and 4 or 5 days off and pull the same amount of muck out in the week. It was pointless leaving it on any longer. I don't have too many fish, but I like to over feed and my fish are messy eaters.
I don't believe you can over skim to the point of harming anything. With a larger skimmer it takes longer to build up enough waste to actually get a good bubble happening, but I personally don't see any harm.

Change my answer to. yes. Since he brought up a good point with wasted electricity.

So,
For your tank, No.
For your pocket, Yes.

 

[Reefing Madness]

It was my understanding that skimmers really do not remove enough trace element to make any significant difference.
It was also my understanding that you can only remove the amount of DOC/proteins that are available, in other words the use of any efficient skimmer appropriate for the tank volume vs the use of a larger than needed skimmer that the difference would be negligible with regard to the amount of DOC the skimmer removed.

So no basically you can not over skim, is this old school?

To an extent, no, you are correct. I've been talkin this for awhile now, with a HUGE skimmer, your worries about water params are nil, and your water changes, well, they will be quite a bit spread out. Thus my previous answer, FEED AWAY!! :wink: