Protein Skimmer and Algae

Z

zak.payne

Member
In advance, please excuse my ignorance on the subject.


I know protein skimmers are essential to reef tanks. I currently have Red Sea Max E-170 AIO, so I have the Red Sea skimmer. It is not on at the moment, but I want to get it running and dialed in within the next couple days. I have been battling some algae, so I was wondering if having the protein skimmer on would help with some of my algae issues, supplemented with water changes and keeping nutrients down, of course.
 
Short answer...'Yes'. As you stated, it will help keep nutrients down by removing dissolved organics from the water column, but do not expect instant results. If your algae issues persist, you may need to research an additional method of nutrient export that can be suited for your set-up; ie: ATS, growing Macros, carbon dosing, etc.

HTH :bigeyes:
 
Second what has been said above. You'll need more thank just a skimmer get the nuisance nutrients under control. The skimmer is one part of that equation. WC's, filter changes, and other media (carbon, macro, reactors) are others.

How long has the tank been up and running?

If it is fairly new (less than 1 yr) you can expect these issues to be part of new tank syndrome. If it's been established for a while once the nutrients are under control you will just need good maintenance habits.
 
Just because I'm picky about this..

A skimmer is not "essential" (aka mandatory) equipment.. It is 100% optional..
You can have a successful tank without one..

Some have reported an improvement in their systems visual health when they removed the skimmer from it..

A skimmer can remove organics from the water (food/poop,etc..) that may break down into nitrates/phosphates,etc... if left in the tank..
In some situations though that food/poop,etc... can become beneficial food for other marine organisms..

Its also a reason I do not recommend mechanical filtration (filter socks,etc..) in a reef tank.. I prefer to have that food continue to be allowed to circulate through the system so that it has the best chance of being consumed/reused by other organisms vs just being trapped and left to decompose into other forms..

One creatures poop may be anothers dinner ;)
 
Thank you for the replies so far.

Expanding on this, if I was to remove the skimmer from the back chamber, leaving me more room, what could I put in there (now learning a skimmer isn't mandatory)? I would think something like Marinepure spheres or blocks wouldn't hurt to continue having more bacteria. However I am open to ideas as I'm still trying to learn the most "efficient" way to reef.
 
leave the skimmer (and leave it on!), it is the best bang for the space you have in terms of nutrient export.

it is not 100% necessary, but after you see how much gunk it pulls out of your water, you won't be running a tank without one.

also, cleaning out a disgusting skimmer cup is weirdly pleasurable, lol.

as heathlindner says, skimmer + carbon dosing is probably the most hassle free way to get a handle on your algae issues.

oh also, nobody seems to have mentioned lighting. what kinds of lights are you running and how long are they on?
 
Reefiez said:
leave the skimmer (and leave it on!), it is the best bang for the space you have in terms of nutrient export.

it is not 100% necessary, but after you see how much gunk it pulls out of your water, you won't be running a tank without one.

also, cleaning out a disgusting skimmer cup is weirdly pleasurable, lol.

as heathlindner says, skimmer + carbon dosing is probably the most hassle free way to get a handle on your algae issues.

oh also, nobody seems to have mentioned lighting. what kinds of lights are you running and how long are they on?
Click to expand...



I'm running a single AI Hydra 26 HD for a 12 hour photoperiod. This contains a 4 hour ramp up and down.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
 
Use the skimmer, it's cheaper than salt.....while not mandatory....it precludes that water is being changed frequently to facilitate the export of DOC whereas the skimmer is doing a lot of that for you.....and absolutely do the skimmer if you begin to carbon dose...
 
I plan to run some packets of Chemi pure Blue with filter floss. Sounds like the skimmer will be getting ran!


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
 
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