PROTEIN SKIMMERS - PART TIME OR FULL TIME

[Oceanwave45]

Hey everyone... I've been reading a lot on protein skimmers and once again I find myself without a conclusion because again some say its a good thing to run full time and other says its better to run part time skimmers.

We purchased a reef octopus classic HOB 1000 from craigslist, and its work very well! However, its loud. Our DT is in our master bedroom therefore we can't sleep because we hear this protein skimmer. So we disconnect the unit every night before bed, and plugging it back in every morning.

Has anyone ever ran a Skimmer Part time? Will it still work? What are your experiences and issues.

Take a look at this article I found too:

http://www.aquaristsonline.com/blog...-your-protein-skimmer-full-time-or-part-time/

Thanks!

 

[AdamNC]

I run mine full time. I feed heavy.

 

[Js.Aqua.Project]

Personally, mine runs full time - other than when pumps are off for feeding.

I know a few people who have LPS & SPS tanks who run their skimmers part-time. Most of them have lightly stocked tanks and don't feed heavily and we constantly at undetectable NO3 and PO4 with no algae growth, so their decisions were done to help raise those levels from 0 without increasing fish (who doesn't want MORE fish?? Absurd...) or feeding (I guess they don't like obese tank mates).

There haven't been any long term effects on the skimmers themselves during this time that anyone has reported.

 

[Mr. Brooks]

AC water pumps are not designed to constantly start and stop. This will cause excess wear and tear on the pump. If it didn't, I would run mine part time.