Skimmer pulls out essentials?

[wester97]

How much of my "essential elements" does a skimmer pull out, and what should I do to replace that which is lost?

 

[gkp]

If you are talking about the blue E.E. my skimmer pulls all of it out within 24 hours. I now switched to sea balance and have had great luck with it.

 

[wester97]

i wasnt referring to any brand, just wondering what beneficial stuff the skimmers pull out and how to put it back in

 

[shoreliner11]

There have been a couple posts on this...if you do a search I'm sure you could find a post regarding the very same thing. If I remember right a skimmer does not pull out any essential elements. It only pulls out biological material...detritus, phyto, etc. Anyone want to shed a little more light on this?

 

[wester97]

i tried searching - couldnt find much.

 

[nm reef]

"Protein skimmers benefit water quality by facilitating two major processes - gas exchange and export of organic wastes."
"Waste removal is accomplished through chemical interactions between charged particles of air and water, which allows proteins, trace elements, and other compounds to become attached to air droplets. These protein-laden air droplets then coalesce into a thick foam which is skimmed off into a collection cup."
The above quotes were taken from a on-line article titled..."Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Protein Skimming But Were Afraid to Ask"...the quote does indicate that trace elements can be skimmed but its been my experience that normal water changes on a regular basis replenishes trace elements and helps to maintain adaquate levels....a good skimmer will basically allow for gas exchange and remove organics...the fear of over removal of the "good stuff" is minimal.:thinking:

 

[wester97]

thanks NM!
now check out this post

 

[wester97]

how often do you do water changes?

 

[reefer44]

i do them never but most ppl about 10% every month or so

 

[wester97]

i just dont want my skimmer to take out all my good stuff!

 

[dragonboy]

Hmm... can't you does the tank and turn off the skimmer for a certain amount of time a day before you have it on again so the chemicals can get settle in with the inhabintants.

 

[neoreef]

You may wish to re-read NM Reef's reply to you. I agree with him that you have nothing to worry about using a protein skimmer. Much to worry about if you don't use one...