For those of you who use protein skimmers

[dduncan]

No offense to those of you who don't but really want some feedback on members who actually have one. Sorry if this has been discussed before but I didn't see it anywhere.

 

I want to know if you leave it on 24/7, part of the day, a couple of hours a week and why. I personally have 2 tanks upstairs in my master bedroom and the skimmers are so noisy I turn them off at night and run them during the day. After I turn them off I feed my corals and stuff and feel they get a chance to use more nutrients before skimmer comes on in the morning.

 

I just don't know if I'm causing more harm than good or whatever. The skimmers are new and from what I've read are in a break-in period. I haven't noticed much gunk so am not even sure they are adjusted right. Trying to tweak a little here and there. One is a bak-pak 2reef and the other is an aqua euro.

 

Anyway, how do you manage your skimmer and why....please

 

Donna

[Rocket]

24/7/365. Noise not a problem because I Keep it not where I sleep. Also when I inclose the sump area should damped the noise level.

 

You are going to have a hard time adjusting it because skimmers take some time to get going at their proper pace.

 

My advice: If you can, let your skimmers run for a couple of days. Tweaking as you go. Then when you found the sweet spot, you may try turning it off at night. Might work.

[glennr1978]

I run the biggest, most powerful skimmer I can fit inside my sump 24/7 (except for when I feed my corals). The reason why is because I have about 4x's the recommended bioload for a 40g tank.

[BKtomodachi]

It really needs to be on 24/7 to function well.

[StevieT]

24/7

 

I can turn my filtration off during feeding so the skimmer can stay on. After you turn them off they constantly have to reset

[dduncan]

okay, good to know. Thanks