How to tell if you're overskimming?

Slick Fork · #1 08-17-2010, 05:02 PM

Hi there,

I was wondering at what point do you start overskimming and how do you tell? I'm currently running a vertex in-180 that I had bought for my 150 gallon (total volume) system on a system that's running roughly a third of that at about 55 gallons total volume.

My coral plans are probably going to be more on the lps/acan/zoanthids, etc. With only a couple of sps.

Any thoughts?

reefwars · #2 08-17-2010, 06:08 PM

Tagging along for this I have he same skimmer in a 100g was pulling out cash amounts now it's barely , just a bit during the night or with water changes so I'm also curious at what point does overskimming kick in ???

reefwars · #3 08-17-2010, 06:10 PM

This ones got your name all over it skimmerking

Vitaminz · #4 08-17-2010, 06:29 PM

Just my 2 cents worth, because my tank is in an office environment, and because I had overflow of the cup, I just leave the skimmer plugged into the light timmer. So the skimmer only runs for 8 hours of the day, That way I am here in case anything goes wrong. I use to have issues, when it skimmed really good after water changes, or changes to bio load, then do nothing. Just running it 8 hours out of the day, seems to be a nice balance.

gobytron · #5 08-17-2010, 06:52 PM

just an FYI...
the start/stop actin is very hard on pumps....

reefwars · #6 08-17-2010, 07:13 PM

I'd believe it you can hear it when it starts I can imagine constant turning off and starting up is bad on the pump, mine runs 24hrs a day it's only off for an hour every two days when I feed my corals

Madreefer · #7 08-17-2010, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gobytron

just an FYI...
the start/stop actin is very hard on pumps....

I'll second that. As for what you have, thats not overskimming IMO. Kinda lets you overstock as per your fish requirements.

reefwars · #8 08-17-2010, 07:39 PM

So what's the problems with over skimming?, I've heard of it but untill now i've never bothered to ask

gobytron · #9 08-17-2010, 09:00 PM

I think in general, you are better off to overskim and add trace elements if its a genuine concern for you...

You really cant overskim when it comes to waste removal, only in the removal of the trace elements and there are so may simple dosing options (including regular water changes)that I don't really think overskimming is a viable issue for most reefers.

MitchM · #10 08-17-2010, 10:23 PM

I don't see how over-skimming is possible. Skimmers can only pull out so much, after that the skimmate doesn't make it to the collection cup and you just wind up aerating the water in the skimmer tower.

That report in Advanced Aquarist said that skimmers can only remove about 30% of DOC's anyways.

Mitch