Can I run a skimmer only a few hours a day?

[Myka]

Originally Posted by MarkoD

So I've got a 200 gallon system that's pretty lightly stocked with fish.

My skimmer is rated for 1000+ gallons

Right now I have my skimmer running constantly and it pulls out a lot of skimmate but I don't think it's constantly pulling because its so oversized


My question is: would it be just as good to just run the skimmer twice a day for a couple hours?

Airation shouldn't be an issue without the skimmer running

The skimmer is likely to pull out nearly as much gunk even if only turned on for a few hours. This would just cause fluctuation in oxygen/CO2/pH/DOC levels.

Is the tank well stocked with corals? If so, just feed the water column in the evenings with Oyster Feast, Reef Chili, frozen Cyclopeeze, etc a few times per week. The skimmer and clean up crew will have all the food taken cleaned up by morning when the lights hit the tank. Make sure to include a healthy serving of clean up crew and you're golden. You will get mad PE with this approach.