Skimmer on timer?

[Ryan15236]

Hey guys quick question for you. I have a 125 gallon tank with 55 gallon sump and aquamaxx em200 skimmer. My bioload is very low and my skimmer is idling most of the time. I think my water and wouldn't mind to bump my nitrates up a bit. Right now I am getting 0ppm and my zoas seem to be struggling. My sps have decent color but could be better. I think if I can get some nitrate in the water it can only help. Would putting the skimmer on a time be a good idea? Any other options?

 

[twilliard]

Dose no3 :-)
Leave skimmer on for the DOC's

 

[Dtackett]

ive seen several people put their skimmer on a timer. I wouldn't do it just because it seems like youd have issues with overflowing and burning out the pump but ive seen it done.

 

[ReeferReefer]

Most people who put their skimmer on a timer do it for noise reasons. You could always feed more or add oysterfeast.

 

[twilliard]

But by doing that po4 is increased

 

[twilliard]

Skimmers also aid on o2 co2 exchange :-) leave them running!

 

[ReeferReefer]

But by doing that po4 is increased

Very true. He could always try turning off the skimmer or dosing Nitrate like you said. Not sure what his phospates are like. My fuge loves that stuff so I forget about phospates most of the time honestly.

 

[twilliard]

Ya I let my macros live as happy as can be. I do run thin on po4 (triton)
Now as for no3 potassium nitrate imo is the way to go.
Huge changes in my tank :-)

Go helix 5000! Run skimmer run!

 

[Stanstatic]

I like to let the skimmer run. Just like a car most skimmers take more wear and tear on startup.

 

[trido]

More fish, more nori and acro power seems like a more fun solution that shutting things off.