Skimmer question

[Unstoppable algae!]

about a month ago I set my skimmer to a timer to turn off at 9pm and back on at 6am.

2 reasons. 1) I had almost undetectable n03 & p04.
2) I dose amino acid & coral foods at night & don't want them skimmed out.

Since doing that I have read all mixed reviews about turning off you skimmer.

Is it best to run (dry) 24-7?

 

[Oldreefer44]

Depends on your system. If it is working the way it is...…...don't mess with it

 

[Unstoppable algae!]

So my N03 & P04 were completely 0 and I got dino's. After battling and erraticating the dino's I have been trying to improve n03 & p04.
Reduced skimming less than a month ago and started dosing brightwell nutrients.

I started researching skimming and a lot of people say turning off can fluctuate ph, reduce or ect.

 

[minus9]

There are better ways of adding nutrients to a tank, then turning off your skimmer. The benefits far outweigh the cons here, more oxygen, steady pH, etc..... Also, when feeding a tank, specifically corals, the food doesn't make a B-line directly to the skimmer input. If you're adding bacteria, it makes sense to turn off the skimmer in order for the bacteria to settle out, but not food. Sodium nitrate for NO3 via Loudwolf and PO4 via spirulina powder or feeding more. If you need to raise both at the same time, then look into Tropic Marin Plus NP.
If you want to feed your tank completely, then look into Easy Reefs EasyBooster and sps Evo or their LPS food, they're awesome. Bottom line, keep the skimmer on 24/7 and find a way to introduce N and P safely and slowly.

 

[Unstoppable algae!]

If you want to feed your tank completely, then look into Easy Reefs EasyBooster and sps Evo or their LPS food, they're awesome. Bottom line, keep the skimmer on 24/7 and find a way to introduce N and P safely and slowly.
[/QUOTE]

Thank you! I thought I was being clever with the skimmer on a timer & just today started reading it may be worse. SHOULD I DRY SKIM? like collect very little?

I have been dosing brightwell neophos & brightwell nitro... "for nitrate" n03 is 2 p04 is .02 I have been dosing slowly.

I think I will skin 24-7 again. I will also look into those foods. Thanks all