Solution for skimmer Odor

[fishyfish91202]

Maybe I'm a little late to the party, you guys may all know this, (I don't spend much time on RC), but I have a 375g mixed reef, heavy bio-load, with a BK 250 SuperMarin skimmer that removes some of the nastiest smelly stuff you have ever seen/smelled. Wanted to share with you all that last week I read some thing about adding baking soda to your collection cup to eliminate the odor. I tried it this week, threw a couple heapin' tablespoons in the collection cup. Usually when its time to clean/empty the skimmer everyone inn the house knows, it reeks!
Today when I went to empty it, there was absolutely no smell what so ever!
Arm and Hammer saves the day! Amazing!

 

[786marco]

Add carbon to the cup

 

[rovster]

Good info. My wife hates when I empty skimmer

 

[dadummy]

now ya can't cut the cheese and blame it on the skimmer.. no arm and hammer for me

 

[DRThompson]

Kalkwasser also works

 

[rovster]

Kalkwasser also works

How? Got a bunch I'm not planning on using maybe I'll put it to good use!

 

[DRThompson]

How? Got a bunch I'm not planning on using maybe I'll put it to good use!

- Mix up some kalkwasser
- Let it settle out
- Pour the clear liquid into the skimmate cup, just enough to cover the bottom of the cup

The extremely high pH of the kalkwasser inhibits the bacterial growth in the cup, and, hence, the odor. The only danger here is putting too much in, as skimmers occasionally flood into the sump.The amount needed to cover the bottom of the cup diluted by the water in the sump would not likely impact the tank's pH.

 

[rovster]

So the "stink" of skimmate is bacteria? Is it bacteria that's skimmed out or bacteria that forms in the collection cup. I've noticed the skimmate in my zeovit tank although more diluted than my main tank is more putrid than the other.

 

[DRThompson]

So the "stink" of skimmate is bacteria? Is it bacteria that's skimmed out or bacteria that forms in the collection cup. I've noticed the skimmate in my zeovit tank although more diluted than my main tank is more putrid than the other.

The stink is bacteria breaking down the skimmate. Generally, it's the production of Hydrogen Sulfide gas (rotten eggs smell) that is the stinky smell.