Removed skimmer and bio balls !

[gregmoeck]

So I finally took the plunge and removed by bio balls from my sump yesterday and today I removed my skimmer, it was basically worthless. I can get more results with regular water changes and I dont have anymore micro bubbles.

So, my sump now has 6 inches of live sand, 2 bags of chaeto and some live rock. I have some GFO and Carbon in filter bags as well. I might do some vodka or vinegar dosing next.

 

[reefgeezer]

You'll need a skimmer if you wish to vodka or vinager.

 

[davocean]

Agree, add a baffle if you can to block micro's, but really need a skimmer IMO.
What kind did you have?
Also, for future reference or other readers, best is to remove bio's slowly, like a handful at a time weekly, as to not totally through things outa whack or off balance.
Keep heavy on WC's till you get a skimmer going.

 

[flyby1]

i thought its allways good to have a skimmer .... can you explain to a novice why your removing the bio and skimmer ?

 

[isildursbane]

He did, he said, "I removed my skimmer, it was basically worthless." The BB were removed because they convert Ammon and Nitrite to Nitrate rapidly. The ideal goal would be to have a "good" skimmer to remove the protein waste from the water column before it has a chance to be converted to Nitrate. The wet-dry filtration system builds up nitrates (quickly) and then only water changes or really good de-nitrifying deep sandbed usually can remove them.

 

[iamwrasseman]

not to drill it into you but i would consider getting a skimmer as i truely believe they are the workhorse of most systems .yes it can be done without but it will help so much having one .
what size is your tank and what kind of skimmer do you have in it ?