I think I over skimmed my tank

[shaneh]

So I got that big 3 foot tall skimmer rated for 750 gallons, a few months ago and at first my water clear up my coral was really growing and things were looking good. The skimmer was skimming 3 gallons a day on a semi wet skim with really dirty smelly water. Now it has hardly skimmed anything and the water looks clean and good but the coral growth has almost stopped. So now after the tank tour I have stopped skimming at night...this also makes it quieter in my room. Do you guys think this is a good idea for what I have? I know I got a skimmer too big for this tank but it should be good for the next one (my 180 bow)

 

[Reef Bass]

Water too clean? Just add food! Or more livestock!

Maybe you have extracted all the foamy goodness (badness?) from your water. Could their be other explanations for the reduction in skimmate production, like a clogged needle wheel / impeller?

I hear your reasons for turning off your skimmer. I would be careful not running the skimmer for extended periods of time as in some tanks (not necessarily yours), the skimmer is one of the primary sources of oxygenation of the water, and in a heavily stocked tank that can O2 source can be very important.

 

[crispyreef]

With a huge export of nutrients, you need to feed that tank.

 

[northbay-reefer]

You can now go swim in your tank and not worry

 

[Steve Ruddy]

I've seen this before in addition to slow to no growth the zooxanthellae will die back as well making the corals look bright. I don't believe there is anything wrong with your skimmer. I would definitely keep it off at least during the night and try feeding as suggested.

 

[shaneh]

Thanks...my corals have slowed growth...like almost stopped it seems...so I will increase feeding slowly to see changes.