oil in water

[jdboy]

Originally Posted by hot883
No, I have a QT! I'm talkin additives for corals etc. like iodine, strodium. What about phytoplankton; wouldn't that get sucked up into it?
From everything I've read partial water changes on a regular basis will provide most of the essential trace elements that most people add to their tanks. I had been making the mistake (by the lfs advice) of adding cacium and iodide to my tank and had never tested for it. I then got a good test kit and let into testing my water for the things I was adding. The calcium was though the roof. I have quit dosing my tank and everthing has really took a turn for the better as far as overall growth. Unless you have a overly stocked tank I think bi-weekly water changes with a quality salt will provide all the elements you need. And remember never add anything to your tank that you don't test for. My .02.
To answer the original question though. Surface agitation will break up the surface skim. I also had a problem when I was running low flow volumes in my tank. Now with the addition of a couple of power heads near the surface I never have the problem anymore. Hope this helps.

 

[1journeyman]

Well, the argument that a protein skimmer is pulling out your trace elements is mute.
I don't add any trace elements and my skimmer takes out plenty of brown crud.
A protein skimmer is a must for a natural reef aquarium. Additives are not (if you can't test for it, don't ADD it!). Water changes with a reputable salt mix with keep all the trace elements you need.
I've said it before, but for the sake of this post I'll say it again. My 210 gallon runs on a HOB protein skimmer, live rock, and a deep sand bed (with a newly built upstream refugium). That's it. In Calfo's and Fenner's "Reef Invertebrates" they support this form of simplistic filtration.

 

[hot883]

Thank you evrybody for your input. It sounds like good info. to me. Like I said, I just don't know who to believe. Ha! I'm not doubting you, just trying to make an informed decision.