What exactly does a skimmer remove, water chemistry-wise?

[JSully_94]

Hello Everyone,

I was wondering what exactly protein skimmers remove?
Do they remove the beneficial additives that one puts into your aquarium?
For example, I add RedSea’s Reef Energy Coral Nutrition A & B every other day. Does my skimmer remove the carbohydrates, amino acids or any of the vitamins within this formula?

Thanks

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Without knowing exactly what is in those, I cannot say for sure, but it won’t remove most amino acids or carbohydrates, it can remove some vitamins.

That said, there are carbohydrates added? I can’t see a reason to add them.

 

[JSully_94]

Without knowing exactly what is in those, I cannot say for sure, but it won’t remove most amino acids or carbohydrates, it can remove some vitamins.

That said, there are carbohydrates added? I can’t see a reason to add them.

Hello Randy,

Thanks for the quick response. I’ll quote what the box says. Otherwise, I’m not certain what this formula contains. The box reads:

“Reef energy A &B together provide the complete nutritional needs of all corals and other filter feeders. Reef Energy comprises a unique formulation of carbohydrates, amino acids, fatty acids and suspended protein flocks along with a highly concentrated complex of vitamins which match the exact vitamins and marine amino acids produced by zooxanthellae. Reef Energy stimulates extension of polyps and soft tissue, helping the coral to optimize nutrient consumption by expanding oat surface area for absorption.”

I just took it as a source of nutrients needed for coral health.