I may just stop the BB and see how it goes. It was more of an experimental thing on a new system I started a year ago just to kinda play around with different methods. I have another tank with no skimmer and just filter sock and I had to dose nitrate in it this morning too. I have a third tank with skimmer skimming very dry but no socks and NO3 was 10 and PO4 0.9 today so maybe your into something now that I type this out (typing helps me process thoughts) Maybe skimmer as the only filtration is the ticket. Easy enough to try Thanks!