Skimmer Q, should i keep it running 24/7?

[lolgranny]

4/7?
I have a 40g / 20g sump, 4 fish at the moment, about 18 sps corals, and 0 algae. I feed 2x's a day, morning / night. I run a NAC-6 skimmer which is overkill, but its not over skimming(the skim is very dark, not clear) The corals have quite good coloration, but they could always be more vibrant so i ask you this...

Should i run the skimmer on 5days and off for 2.... day 1-3 on, day 4 off, day 5-6 on, day 7 off? Or should i just turn it off 1 day a week?

Within the month i plan on getting 5more fish(3wrasse / 2 clowns) and 2 cleaner shrimp.

Any imput would be golden.

Thanks fellas

David

Also, random off topic question. Does anyone know where i can get a blue slimer staghorn? Ive been looking and i can only find green / vibrant pink.

 

[allsps40]

I have almost the exact same set up as you do. 40 breeder, 20 long sump, 5 fish, many sps and some other mixed corals. I use a modded Octo NW110 and I run it 24/7. It will skim out a cup full of dark nasty skim in about 3 days. I do shut off my return pump and larger power head when I feed. It is off for about 20 min so the fish and corals have a chance to feed before the sump and skimmer remove all the food. So yes run your skimmer 24/7.

 

[tew47]

I have a 40B with 6 green chromis, 1 yellow wrasse, and a diamond goby - HOB Aqua C skimmer and I run it 24/7 - I have 20ish sps and a lot of soft corals, I would say run it 24/7

 

[allsps40]

OH also think that your planned fish amount is too much for a 40. Like I said im at 5 and that is all I feel fish a 40 gallon should have JMO. 8 fish is a bit much.

 

[RyDub03]

I also have a 40 with 20 and I skim 24/7 with my SWC 160 cone. I think that's the only way to go. I also think you should go slow with the fish. I have 4 fish now. I had 5 but it was like the thunderdome and somebody had to go. I pressed my luck and I regret losing a fish because of it.

 

[sslak]

Run it 24/7

There's really no reason not to. The electricity you save is a drop in the bucket..

Also, if you turn it off you have stagnant water sitting in your skimmer all day.

 

[BeanMachine]

Run it 24/7

There's really no reason not to. The electricity you save is a drop in the bucket..

Also, if you turn it off you have stagnant water sitting in your skimmer all day.

And its not so good for the life of the pump when it has to constantly turn off and on.