How long can you run your tank with out a skimmer?
- Thread starter mtennant
- Start date
nigerbang
Active Member
I know ppl that have never ran a skimmer...Some say its not a must to run one...But after see the junk it pulls out I wouldnt be with out one..So the answer is...prolly as long as you wanted..I dont really see where its going to hurt the system...unless thats the only kinda filter you have..
cowfishrule
Active Member
i've been running 3 years w/o a skimmer, and everything is thriving.
neuro21
New Member
The waste buildup caused by running without a skimmer for a few days probably isn't going to be catastrophic (or even noticeably problematic). However, people tend to overlook the fact that a skimmer also does a lot to aerate a tank. If your tank isn't very heavily stocked, or you have other means of oxygen exchange, this shouldn't be an issue either. However, I have heard of people finding their fish dead or gasping after the skimmer went out. Adding a couple airstones will remedy that problem if it arises.
topofsteel
Member
You people who aren't using a skimmer at all, what kind of filtration are you using? Live rock/sand only, canister, HOB? Just curious. I'm switching from a HOB system to a sump/fuge with a skimmer carbon tray setup, I didn't think there were very many options. Thanks.
rabid frog
Active Member
I run skimmerless and top less on my 75. Running topless helps with o2 exchange. I run a 30 gal refuge with lr rubble, miralce mud, various types of macro algaes. I have no problems with nitrates, trites, or ammonia. The few times I turn my worthless Remora skimmer on all it does is fill my tank with micro bubbles.
That being said I am buying a MRC skimmer to see if that does anything at all and I am kind of a gadget junkie.
You should not have any problems for a few days as it has already been expressed.
Joey
That being said I am buying a MRC skimmer to see if that does anything at all and I am kind of a gadget junkie.
You should not have any problems for a few days as it has already been expressed.
Joey
trainfever
Active Member
I have been running my 45 for about a year and a half without a skimmer, but I do have a refugium.
trainfever
Active Member
Then dont sweat it, the refugium does the same thing the skimmer does, only better.
G
gustavo
Guest
I always wondered about that. Wouldn't it be nice to chuck the darn thing. I'm so tired of making sure it's working properly. Mine collects some nasty stuff but I have always wondered if you had a big enough refugium that the critters and plants inside could break it all down for you. Obviously theres all kinds of views on this but if you have ever put a piece of filter material on the intake of your sump, like a trickle filter, it looks like it catches about as much stuff as what I empty from my skimmer every week. I talked to a shop owner that has very nice tanks and he claims his nitrates are thru the roof on his tanks at home and everything looks great and does very well. He doesn't worry about it. I didn't think to ask if he uses a skimmer or not but I know he doesn't use a refugium. Makes me wonder how much gizmos out there are really just toys and not really essential to the hobby.
