Do you run skimmers on planted tanks?

[Dave Legacy]

Hi,

I'm just about to get started on my first marine planted tank, all macros, and I was wondering if one should use a skimmer or not? Before I started using a skimmer I had a huge brown algae bloom that coated absolutely everything. Ever since I started skimming a few weeks ago, all of that faded away, my water became crystal clear and cleaner than ever.

I was wondering if I need to remove the skimmer to ensure my macros have something to eat? Or maybe run the skimmer and dose trace elements?

If it matters the skimmer is a HOB CPR Bak-Pak R2+

Thanks,
David

 

[algaeguy]

Hi David:

I'll take a stab at this one. I debated the issue myself a while back, and I think that I made the right decision for my system.

I've been running my seagrass biotope system about 2 months now, and have had a nice growth of misc. algae, and now, thanks to Sarah, Halodule! I use a skimmer full time, as I have in all of my tanks.

I do maintain some corals and feed my system, so I think that a skimmer is a rational necessity. I can't imagine any real harm being done through skimming, especially if you are fertilizing your plants. In fact, if you are maintaining Caulerpa, I suppose it could be a life-saver in the event of a gamete release event!

Even in my relatively low bioload system, I'm surprised at the amount of foul-smelling gunk that the skimmer removes daily. I'll continue to use a skimmer full-time on this system just like I would on any other.

Hope this helps!

Scott

 

[graveyardworm]

The skimmer will also help with gas exchange, and help keep PH balanced.

 

[Dave Legacy]

This is great news, I love my skimmer!

 

[Samala]

I run a skimmer on my systems, and I'd recommend using one just for insurance and the gas exchange reason that David noted.

Now.. my skimmers dont pull out a lot of gunk in well planted tanks, so you may find it is a very expensive aerator, but a really efficient aerator at that.

>Sarah