Skimmer questions

goodreef · 01/31/2008, 07:33 AM

My current skimmer is rated 2 x my tank volume for my SPS tank.

Currently, I'm thinking of getting some heavy feeding corals (e.g. Sun Corals). However, last time I increased feeding, I had a bad case of hair algae.

I asked around, and the LFS told me to add in a second skimmer. Reason is that it can remove not only protein, but will also help solve my PO4 issues!!! I wonder if he meant that the removed protein could have been broken down into PO4??

Sounds good ... except, heavy skimming removes iodine & other trace. Well, the guy @ LFS assured me that enough iodine & trace are replaced to the tank through feeding and water change.

Finally, he asked if anyone's tank ever crashed from too much skimming!!! Good point.

The proposed 2nd skimmer (Beckett) will have a flow rate of about 8 x my tank size!!

With 2 huge skimmers, that sounds a bit like an overkill to me.

So, guys, we all know that most LFS gives poor advice. Just want to check if the above sounds about right, or if something sounds fishy!!!

Thanks.

dzeadow · 01/31/2008, 08:46 AM

I just read something about this, but things like frozen food contain PO4. There's two kinds of PO4, inorganic and organic. Protein skimmers help take out the organic (i believe) PO4. As far as the skimmer goes, I have no help sorry

luke33 · 01/31/2008, 09:41 AM

Well, lets start with what size your tank is and what skimmer your using. Is this your 300g tank?

goodreef · 02/03/2008, 01:09 PM

Yea, my 300g tank. Skimmer now is Hydor 2000, and new skimmer will be a customised creation by a local guy.

01/31/2008, 07:33 AM	#1
goodreef Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Malaysia Posts: 82	Skimmer questions My current skimmer is rated 2 x my tank volume for my SPS tank. Currently, I'm thinking of getting some heavy feeding corals (e.g. Sun Corals). However, last time I increased feeding, I had a bad case of hair algae. I asked around, and the LFS told me to add in a second skimmer. Reason is that it can remove not only protein, but will also help solve my PO4 issues!!! I wonder if he meant that the removed protein could have been broken down into PO4?? Sounds good ... except, heavy skimming removes iodine & other trace. Well, the guy @ LFS assured me that enough iodine & trace are replaced to the tank through feeding and water change. Finally, he asked if anyone's tank ever crashed from too much skimming!!! Good point. The proposed 2nd skimmer (Beckett) will have a flow rate of about 8 x my tank size!! With 2 huge skimmers, that sounds a bit like an overkill to me. So, guys, we all know that most LFS gives poor advice. Just want to check if the above sounds about right, or if something sounds fishy!!! Thanks.

01/31/2008, 08:46 AM	#2
dzeadow Premium Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Bozeman, MT Posts: 2,589	I just read something about this, but things like frozen food contain PO4. There's two kinds of PO4, inorganic and organic. Protein skimmers help take out the organic (i believe) PO4. As far as the skimmer goes, I have no help sorry __________________ - Danny Current Tank Info: Dual 50 Breeder system, 30g custom sump/fuge, MSX200, Tank1-6x24T5 retro, Tank2-4x39T5 retro

01/31/2008, 09:41 AM	#3
luke33 Moved On Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Indiana Posts: 8,375	Well, lets start with what size your tank is and what skimmer your using. Is this your 300g tank?

02/03/2008, 01:09 PM	#4
goodreef Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Malaysia Posts: 82	Yea, my 300g tank. Skimmer now is Hydor 2000, and new skimmer will be a customised creation by a local guy.