Run a skimmer part time rather than 24/7

[gunlocators]

Is there any pros and cons of doing a part time skim lets say 12on 12 off or every other day off I run a itech on mt 100g i dont skim really wet just curious if it will cause issues not running it all the time...

 

[ReachTheSky]

I wouldn't do it. Skimmers are one of a tanks primary source of air exchange and shutting it off might cause unwanted pH and oxygen level fluctuations.

 

[JHawlz9989]

I run mine only during the daytime, lights on, which is 9 am to 9 pm. I feel it's good to keep the food and other dissolved organics in the water column for as long as possible without letting it decay. I've noticed my feather duster population pick up quite a bit when I switched to 12 on/12 off.

Josh

 

[jacob.morgan78]

I've been thinking about doing this also. I run a version of an ATS that uses bubbles so I wouldn't have to worry about the gas exchange issue. Are there any other issues involved other than the gas exchange? Also, I was leaning towards leaving it off at night and only run it during the day.

 

[spollock818]

You could have pump issues Free awhile depending on what pump you have.

 

[JHawlz9989]

Are there any other issues involved other than the gas exchange?

I even think the gas exchange issue is minimal for anyone running a sump with a little surface skimming from an overflow or something. IME, it's the protein build-up on the surface that really prevents gas exchange. For example, my tank pH dropped 0.2 points from 8.5 to ~8.3 and less once I added and sump and overflow even though I was running a skimmer.

Josh