HOB protein skimmer throwing millions of micro bubbles

[cwombles17]

I have had this skimmer for close to a year and nothing I have done has fixed the micro bubble issue. Can I not run a protein skimmer if I do weekly water changes or will that completely kill my fish / reef tank?
65 gallon bow tank
CPR backpack skimmer

 

[ManQuarium]

Will notice a difference in the tank if you don't run a skimmer. As a suggestion you might only run it when the lights are off.

 

[cwombles17]

Will notice a difference in the tank if you don't run a skimmer. As a suggestion you might only run it when the lights are off.

Will running it at night be sufficient?

 

[ManQuarium]

Should be. When making changes to you filters you should always monitor your tank. Like Phos, Alk, Nit

 

[cwombles17]

Should be. When making changes to you filters you should always monitor your tank. Like Phos, Alk, Nit

The only thing I have never checked is phos ‍. Here are my current tank parameters.

Ph 8.2
Ammonia 0.1 or less
Nitrite 0
Nitrate 10 - 20
Ca 450
Akalinity 10.5

 

[ManQuarium]

I find that everyone has their way of checking there tank. I find that checking my Phos and Alk is the easiest with my hanna checkers

 

[cwombles17]

I find that everyone has their way of checking there tank. I find that checking my Phos and Alk is the easiest with my hanna checkers

I just ordered a Pho’s test kit. I will check it on Friday when it comes in.

 

[Medic3170]

Will running it at night be sufficient?

I had this issue on a new skimmer. The manual states its a break in period and it will resolve which it did. Now every time I clean my skimmer it happens briefly. Because of this micro bubble issue (which I hate) I put my skimmer on a timer and run only at night. I have had no issues with increased nutrients and I enjoy the quiet during the day now. Hope this helps