Protein Skimmer Running Time ???

[funkyman]

Hidey Ho!!

Do skimmers have to be ran 24/7:notsure: I've set up my first salt tank (50 gallons), and it's in our bedroom. It's "somewhat" noisey, and I was wondering if I could shut it down for 7 hours or so say like from 11 PM until 6 AM.
The skimmer is a Remora. The tank is six weeks old and contains live rock with "some" growth, 4 Damsels, live sand, and a cleaning crew.
I'm also running an Emperor 400 filter. As of this week, I have removed the bio-wheels as I read here they do more harm than good since they collect nitrites. There is an Aquaclear 201 powerhead running, with additional PH's on the way.
The lighting is currently a flourescent fixture, with "some form" of upgraded aquatic bulb. I have a 36" ORBIT/ MOONLIGHT 36" FIXTURE 2x96 watt *192 Watts Total on the way as well.
Thanks in advance to all that respond. You people ROCK.
:happy:

 

[blemmy_guy]

Im sure that would be fine:notsure: I run mine 24/7 but if it was off for 8 hrs a day, you might loose some of the benefits but i wouldnt think it would be noticable. Lets see if anyone else thinks the same or not. Best of luck Todd

 

[sammiefish]

while it may be fine, I wonder if the situation could be compared to a canister filter that loses power or is turned off...... the oxygen is depleted, bacteria dies, the filter restarts, the tank gets polluted.... maybe since there is no "media" in the skimmer, therefore not as much bacteria, this might not happen...
I would say to be absolutely safe... turn off the skimmer for 7 or 8 hours... then test the water inside it (before allowing it to expell water into your system) if the ph is down or there is ammonia present then you might have a problem...

 

[meadbhb]

Hiya,
I run mine from 11:00 P.M to noon since my husband can't tollerate the noise. He has partial hearing loss and the noise my skimmer makes is at that tone that interfers with his hearing. I've been doing this for 6 months now, with no ill issues. However, PH drops at night so your situation might be different.
Meadbhb

 

[acrylic51]

I don't think there would be anything wrong with doing it just most people find it easier to leave it run 24/7. There are tanks running without a skimmer as well. Not sure I would try it, but it has been done

 

[duke13]

Sometimes Remoras are louder when the tank setup is new. I know mine was pretty noisy until it had a chance to 'season in'. That actually lasted for a couple of months.

 

[funkyman]

Maybe that's the reason. I just started using it Saturday. One of the big reasons I bought it was the one being used on a display tank at the LFS was silent.

 

[jester805]

Originally posted by funkyman
I'm also running an Emperor 400 filter. As of this week, I have removed the bio-wheels as I read here they do more harm than good since they collect nitrites..
:happy:

Is this true??? This is the first time I've heard about that. :notsure:

 

[calylove]

Hey guys- i'e had my seaclone running for about three weeks and still no foam. Whats the best way to be sure its adjusted properly

 

[ophiura]

They don't collect nitrites. They are considered, like bioballs, to contribute to nitrate levels. If you have a lot of LR and LS, IMO the contribution to a biological filter from the biowheels is pretty minimal. However, if you do not have a nitrate issue, then I don't really see why they can't be left on. If you do not have a lot of LR or LS, weigh the idea of removing them carefully. It may not be a good idea.

 

[meadbhb]

Hiya,
I removed my bio wheel from my filter after a few months since I thought it would hold nitrates. However, I wasn't getting enough oxygen in my tank and had a cyno outbreak. I put it back in, adjusted my power head and now I don't have cyno, so it helps oxyginate your water too.
Ohhh, I've got 70Lbs of LR in my tank.
Meadbhb