How long can my Skimmer be off line?

[cincyjim]

I used Chemi-clean and Red Slime remover about 2 months ago and even today my skimmer go nuts on it's lowest setting. I have done my water changes at 20% every two weeks and I'll be doing another one tomorrow. My fish and corals seem fine and no new algae to speak of while the skimmer has been off. I'm using carbon and GFO. Is it okay to have the skimmer off for this long and how long can it off line until I can get the treatments out of the water? Would it help to double or triple the amount of carbon I'm using?

Thanks,
Jim

 

[Dogshowgrl]

What are you nitrates? If they are within reason, a skimmer is not necessary.

Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

 

[jrp1588]

Try turning the skimmer's water level as low as it will go, and just let it pull what it wants to for a bit. I've found that they usually settle down after pulling a cup or 2 of water.

 

[Remy LeBeau]

Like mentioned above, a skimmer is a tool, not a necessity.

A refugium is pretty much the same thing. I like to keep things simple though...

 

[cincyjim]

Thanks for the ideas. It is turned down all the way so I will let it run to see if it settles down.

The tank is a mix of some SPS, LPS, Leathers, and softies. I do dose Aminos because the Nitrates are so low, Marine Snow, and Reef Chili. These are dosed once each per week on different days.

Mag 1335
Alk 8.9
Calc 440
Ph 7.85
Phos .033 (Hanna ULR)
Nitrates 0 and sometimes around .5 (Salefert and Red Sea)