skimmer question

[Carz]

So if your parameters are where you want them do you still run your skimmer? EX: Why run the skimmer if you are dosing phosphates to raise them.

 

[hoffmeyerz]

There's a few reasons you may still want to run a skimmer.
-To remove dissolved organics to control nitrates.
-To get better dissolved oxygen with the aeration.
To raise PH by utilizing a CO2 scrubber hooked up the the skimmer.

 

[Carz]

Next question is do you run it full time or on a timer

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Skimmers have three main uses, none of which relate to normally measured parameters. Neither phosphate nor nitrate are skimmed out directly.

1. Aeration. I’d use a skimmer even if this was all it did.

2. Export of organics, reducing yellowing, toxins, removal before they break down, etc.

3. Export of whole bacteria, which may be especially useful when organic carbon dosing.

 

[shakacuz]

There's a few reasons you may still want to run a skimmer.
-To remove dissolved organics to control nitrates.
-To get better dissolved oxygen with the aeration.
To raise PH by utilizing a CO2 scrubber hooked up the the skimmer.

i do it for all 3!

Next question is do you run it full time or on a timer

i run it 24/7 since i have it recirculating, but i might have it off during the night since i run a refugium at opposite schedule of lights

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Next question is do you run it full time or on a timer

I cannot see a scenario where less than 24/7 is better.

 

[hoffmeyerz]

i do it for all 3!

i run it 24/7 since i have it recirculating, but i might have it off during the night since i run a refugium at opposite schedule of lights

I run it for all three and 24/7 as well.
I know there are some who don't run it all the time but it's better for me to just let it go and do it's thing!

 

[Carz]

good input here

 

[Carz]

Heavy or light skim?? Pros and cons?

 

[shakacuz]

Heavy or light skim?? Pros and cons?

i would say it depends on your feeding. feed light? light skim. feed heavy? heavy skim. same goes for fish bioload. low fish count? light skim. high fish count? heavy skim

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I discuss skimming here:

What is Skimming? by Randy Holmes-Farley - Reefkeeping.com