Surface tension vs. Protein Skimmer?

[Kasey Grohowski]

Hello, I am curious if typically a Protein Skimmer will create more dissolved oxygen (DO) than surface agitation with powerheads? I have a Bubble Magus B12 skimmer, and currently have a powerhead near the surface of my tank to provide more DO. I am wanting to move that Powerhead down in my tank, my concern is that my DO levels will drop due to less surface agitation. Should my DO levels be fine with my skimmer? I also have a lid on my tank.

 

[KrisReef]

You left out the tanks surface area for us to consider and the location of the skimmer discharge

A tank with good surface agitation will generally have suitable O2 levels.

I generally opt for surface agitation from power heads and return pumps but if the tank surface area is small enough the extra agitation isn’t going to change much if only one pump is agitating.

 

[Uncle99]

That’s fine to move it down, the change would be minimal at best.
The lid is not helpful

 

[ckozma]

My opinion and not a fact, but I would think that any decent protein skimmer should provide plenty of oxygen into the water.

 

[dedragon]

I think the tank size would matter here too, b12 is a huge skimmer.

 

[Kasey Grohowski]

I think the tank size would matter here too, b12 is a huge skimmer.

220 gallon DT, and 75 gallon sump. Nearly 300 total gallons, planning on having a huge bio load when the tank is fully stocked. B12 should still be able to handle it.