Protein Skimmer Power Bar Failure Death Toll....

[kien]

Ya, if you've got other forms of oxygenation like surface agitation or an overflow into a sump a skimmer flaking out shouldn't nuke your tank so quick. However, if you don't have any of the above and the protein skimmer is the only thing oxygenating your tank then you are in trouble if it goes. If the tank is relying on the skimmer like this and the skimmer goes your fish can and will likely die.