protein skimmer 24-7??

aquablizz · Jun 13, 2016

Do member run their skimmers 24-7?? I have a Aqua C 180 and have been running 24-7. Pulled out great skim for first couple day but now not so much.

Wondering if I should put it on a timer ??
Thanks in advance

Blizz

jsker · Jun 13, 2016

I run mine 24/7 and to also keep oxygen in the water of the system.

Downbeach · Jun 13, 2016

24/7, not only to remove DOC's, but also to keep CO2 in equilibrium with the surrounding atmosphere affecting pH.

Here's a good read:

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-08/rhf/index.php#16

Cgschulz · Jun 13, 2016

Yes 24-7. It will slowdown but if by chance somthing gets spilled in to tank and u don't see it or for example u have a anename that passes away it could be the thing that saves the tank. Also it is just helps out alot to keep tank clean.

dbl · Jun 13, 2016

I'm currently running the same skimmer and it's on 24/7. Only time it's off is to clean it.

aquablizz · Jun 13, 2016

Downbeach said:
24/7, not only to remove DOC's, but also to keep CO2 in equilibrium with the surrounding atmosphere affecting pH.

Here's a good read:

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-08/rhf/index.php#16

super article DownBeach,,, thanks for the link...

aquablizz · Jun 13, 2016

Thanks to all for their input... it's definitely 24-7 for me..

aquablizz · Jun 13, 2016

should the collection cups be cleaned often to effect good skimming.. I have my going into an overflow bottle and have not touch the collection cup on top of the tower.... yep it's pretty scummy...

Downbeach · Jun 13, 2016

I had mine running into a separate container as well, but would remove and clean the cup, and the reaction chamber just below the cup in the skimmer once a week. I would remove the skimmer, run it in a vinegar solution, disassemble and clean the pump every three month's.

aquablizz · Jun 13, 2016

Thanks downbeach,,,,,

Dom · Jun 13, 2016

aquablizz said:
Do member run their skimmers 24-7?? I have a Aqua C 180 and have been running 24-7. Pulled out great skim for first couple day but now not so much.

Wondering if I should put it on a timer ??
Thanks in advance

Blizz

I run mine 24x7. I also have a wood stone by the intake to increase the foam production and oxygenation. There are times when your protein skimmer will produce and times when it won't. I understand this to be normal as the amount of waste in the water column fluctuates; it won't produce if there isn't anything to remove. The time when the skimmer isn't producing is called "idle" time.

The problem I see with running your skimmer on a timer is this; while your skimmer is running and NOT producing any "skim", it is still collecting matter from the water column and containing it within the skimmer. If you have it off, the matter will circulate within the tank until the skimmer comes on. So while it doesn't appear to be doing anything at times, it is.

I'll continue to run mine 24x7.