How to tell if you're overskimming?

[Madreefer]

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]

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

[gobytron]

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]

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

[Kronk]

Originally Posted by MitchM

I don't see how over-skimming is possible...

I agree.

[Slick Fork]

I've always been under the impression that overskimming is a real hazard, trace elements are easily replaced but I would be concerned about the microscopic life that gets removed through the skimmer

[DiverDude]

Originally Posted by Slick Fork

I've always been under the impression that overskimming is a real hazard, trace elements are easily replaced but I would be concerned about the microscopic life that gets removed through the skimmer

I'm no expert but I'd have thought that the microscopic elements would be the FIRST things to be stripped out by skimming and the heavier stuff stayed behind and would only be removed by excessive skimming....

[Slick Fork]

I've never thought of the vertex as that low end. I've always been very happy with mine, especially at a third the price of the "high end" skimmer but that's another discussion...

[whatcaneyedo]

In the series that Ocean Aquatics posted they discuss this question in part 4 http://www.lafishguys.com/88-%20prot...skimmer-04.htm

[Myka]

Imo Vertex IN series would be comparable with EuroReef RS series in performance, but not build quality (where EuroReef RS takes the cake in this comparison). If only performance is taken into consideration, I would put both EuroReef RS and Vertex IN as mid-range quality. It is true you will pay a significantly higher price for a high-end skimmer. I have a EuroReef RS-180 on my 90, and although it does a good job I wouldn't go exclaiming its brilliance.

One thing many people don't consider when choosing a skimmer is the volume the manufacturer suggests for the skimmer is usually anything from a bit to a lot optimistic. The reefer's expectations also play a role in what the skimmer is capable of. For example, if someone is replacing their Remora with a Vertex IN he is going to think the Vertex is the cat's meow, but take someone who is replacing their Bubble King with a Vertex IN and he may be disappointed. In the end, it is all relative, but that's beyond the focus of your question (I think?), and in relation to the question I really don't think you have anything to worry about.

On the other hand, in my experience, I have found that most LPS and softies do better with an under-performing skimmer or even skimmer-less setup.

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Originally Posted by Madreefer

I paid $1300 for my Vertex. It better be high end.

Read my post closer:

Originally Posted by Myka

Imo you can't over-skim using a Vertex IN skimmer, period.