Running without a skimmer

ReeferBob · Jan 20, 2013

My RO BH2000 skimmer broke - the air-intake venturi cracked. So I took the skimmer off the tank and ordered a new part. I got in the new part finally. The tank has been without a skimmer for about 3 weeks. I am working on a new tank that will be ready to accept the inhabitants of this tank in about 2 months. Do you think it is ok to go another 2 months without a skimmer or should I put it back on? The tank is FOWLR. I have it all cleaned up and was planning on selling it since I got a new in-sump skimmer for the new setup (It won't fit under the 40B).

SeahorseKeeper · Jan 20, 2013

If you keep the excess nutrients in check, I don't see any real issues.

revhtree · Jan 20, 2013

I agree. You could develops algae issues if you don't keep the water in check with water changes and not over feeding.

robby2782 · Jan 20, 2013

Your nitrates will shoot up unless you do weekly water changes. I've gone 6 months without a skimmer and my nitrates hung around 40 with monthly water changes. It was fish only so everything was fine.

Zack · Jan 20, 2013

To skim or not to skim, that is the question!

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mess7777 · Jan 21, 2013

I haven't used a skimmer for over 6 months, and I am perfectly content with that for now. My nitrates are always near 0, phosphates can be difficult to maintain....without the skimmer you need to be careful about overfeeding and better at removing crud during water changes. It can be done without a lot of extra effort.