skimmer question

[reef_keeper]

I was told my my LFS that a skimmer wouldn't really benefit me because i was only trying to house corals and not many fish in my tank. Something about it takes out trace minerals? what in the world are trace minerals. Is this false info? How will a skimmer benefit me? what exactly does it take out of the water?

 

[reef_keeper]

bump

 

[robs.mark]

How big is your tank? what is your bio load? do you have live rock? how much?

By trace minerals your LFS worker probably means what I refer to as trace elements.
Trace elements are elements in the salt water which out reefs consume. Example's would be calcium, magnesium, iodine, etc. These elements can also be added, I dose calcium and alkalinity, as well as adding Aquavitro fuel twice a week. I also change 10% of my water weekly and only use RO water for top ups (tap water can contain unwanted minerals). You need to be testing and adjusting your water levels accordingly if you wish to keep a reef.

Some people do run skimmer-less tanks, not me though. If you do wish to run a skimmer-less system then i would be recommending 25% weekly water changes.

A skimmer job is to remove organic waste from the water, which if left in the tank would turn into nitrites, ammonia, nitrates, phosphates, and all sorts of nasties that will harm your fish, corals and inverts.

 

[reef_keeper]

so if i run a skimmer i will have to manually add calc. alk. etc..? if i do not run a skimmer will i still have to manually add these chemicals? i have a 75G DT with a 20G sump and around 80lbs of LR and 60-80lbs of live sand, two cardinal fish as of right now

 

[mcrist]

No, you will not need to add any trace elements just because you use a skimmer. Most of the time water changes will replenish any trace elements that yours system consumes with or without a skimmer. IMO everyone should use a skimmer.

 

[reef_keeper]

the trace elements are put back in because of salt right?

 

[mcrist]

the trace elements are put back in because of salt right?

Yes

 

[iamwrasseman]

personaly i think you will only benifit through the use of a skimmer . there are situations when a skimmer may not have a real value but i dont think that it can hurt.

 

[reef_keeper]

will it cut down on maintenance to the tank?

 

[mcrist]

will it cut down on maintenance to the tank?

It depends on how you look at it. The amount of organic waste a good skimmer can remove is amazing and I have yet to meet any naysayers that would be willing to drink from a collection cup.

 

[strike2867]

It depends on how you look at it. The amount of organic waste a good skimmer can remove is amazing and I have yet to meet any naysayers that would be willing to drink from a collection cup.

I have the cup draining into an apple juice bottle. I was taking it out one time and my girlfriend was coming into the house at the same time. I didn't tell her what it was, may have joked about apple juice, and told her to take it out into the garage. She said she smelled it, started gagging and almost threw up(she was talking to her mother on the phone at the time too).

 

[mcrist]

I have the cup draining into an apple juice bottle. I was taking it out one time and my girlfriend was coming into the house at the same time. I didn't tell her what it was, may have joked about apple juice, and told her to take it out into the garage. She said she smelled it, started gagging and almost threw up(she was talking to her mother on the phone at the time too).

:lolspin:

 

[75gsalt]

I use Instant Ocean not the Reef Cystals, I never need to dose, atleast not yet.