I just can't get it up!

[titus]

Hello Bryan,

I'd never run a 200g with a Turboflotor. My experience without a skimmer is that hair algae comes and pH do drop. How do I know? I have been running skimmerless for quite a few good months because my skimmer pump failed. The Ampmaster is arriving soon but I still have to find time to rig it up.

The ORP value doesn't mean anything. It's the actual change of ORP that gives you clue. For example, your ORP maybe high but it's not just skimmer that determines that value. I'd think if you use a really awesome skimmer your ORP would actually change to a different reference value.