Reef Aquarium Fact #9 Protein skimming does remove some trace elements.

[revhtree Verified Admin]

We are going to continue discussing the reef aquarium facts submitted by our members in the My Miami chalice giveaway thread. Do you agree or disagree? What are your thoughts?

Fact #9

"Protein skimming does remove some trace elements. Which elements and how much of each is debatable, however, it is widely accepted that Iodine and Iron are both depleted by protein skimming.

202 mg/g Calcium, 21.2 mg/g Magnesium, 5.63 mg/g Phosphate, and 30.3 micrograms/g Iron have been measured via spectrometer in dried skimmate."




Truth or False? What else might we need to learn on this subject?

 

[johnanddawn]

i've always believed this to be true and the OP has a reference for his data
i would be curious to know how much different "wet" skimming and "dry" skimming would show

 

[drainbamage]

I'd say true- the skimmate we pull out is essentially waste products and whatnot, which surely contain many trace elements that would otherwise remain in the water.

I'd also suggest a link between those who do heavy skimming and their use of additives, versus those who don't use as much, if any, skimming and retain good results (color/growth) of their corals without as much dosing. But I have no data on any of that, just a hunch.

 

[revhtree Verified Admin]

Any more input? Seems that there is strong disagreement with people on this.

 

[capt85]

The spectrometer does not lie so it does remove some good with alot of bad.

How much and in what consistency is arguable. Regardless it is the easiest way to remove the "bad" part.

 

[MadReefer1]

I beleave it does remove some good. But the amount of bad it removes is so much greater that makes it benificial to use one in keeping water quality somewhat in check. The low nutrient or element you can add if needed as long as you can test for it. I dont think they make a test kit for the many different elements our reefs consume or excrete i know there a few out there but there is so many more that we could use to help figure this out im sure. I am no pro and prolly just sounded like a idiot but hey it sounded good for a few mins.....lol