Running a Skimmerless tank

[Palmer]

Originally Posted by gregzz4

IMO, running a skimmer-less tank is asking your fish to continue to swim in their own pee Ewww

BTW, cyano is not an algae, not that there's anything wrong with that ...

Yes your right its not lol I slipped on that one but I think we subject them to pee baths either way lol That's why I believe in water changes

[gregzz4]

I wasn't 'finger pointin'
I see cyano called algae a lot, and more than once in this post

I still like using my skimmer
I get about 250ml per week of very skanky stuff, so I think it's beneficial to run one

On the other hand, I've seen some pretty nice tanks this last year that are skimmer-less so, in the hands of learned reefers, I guess either way is OK

The only other thing that comes to mind is whether or not running skimmer-less gives your home a fishy smell

[Madreefer]

[quote=gregzz4;775502

The only other thing that comes to mind is whether or not running skimmer-less gives your home a fishy smell[/QUOTE]

Well when I dont empty my skimmer cup for 4-5 days my basement where my sump is smells like an effluent plant, but my skimmer cup is about the size of a pail of ice cream. And Palmer you would have a change of opinion on the Bubble King skimmrs after running one on your tank for a while. I've tried alot of different skimmers and you cant beat them IMO.

[11purewater]

Skimmerless and sumpless for 7 months,but to much boidiversity and bioload so skimmer being installed this weekend.finite space ,poor rocks can only do so much

[Palmer]

Originally Posted by Madreefer

And Palmer you would have a change of opinion on the Bubble King skimmrs after running one on your tank for a while. I've tried alot of different skimmers and you cant beat them IMO.

You know I totally believe you I would probably love it but my tank is in good shape and has been without significant issue so I dont want to find out I want to remain naive lol... I would rather put the additional money into an expensive controller or another expensive powerhead.

[Coralgurl]

Originally Posted by gregzz4

I wasn't 'finger pointin'
I see cyano called algae a lot, and more than once in this post

I still like using my skimmer
I get about 250ml per week of very skanky stuff, so I think it's beneficial to run one

On the other hand, I've seen some pretty nice tanks this last year that are skimmer-less so, in the hands of learned reefers, I guess either way is OK

The only other thing that comes to mind is whether or not running skimmer-less gives your home a fishy smell

I think for now I'll increase the canister cleaning to weekly, cut the lights a few hours a day (currently running from 1:30 pm - 9:30 pm). I've been over feeding since adding a couple of fish, but they are eating fine so not as much of a concern, will cut back on feedings. as we are going away in a few weeks, if I treat with chemi clean, it's either now or February to do so.

I'd like to keep it skimmer less as it really has been doing well. I find my 180 has more of a fishy smell than this one.

I'll test nitrates and phosphates tonight too and post later.

[gregzz4]

Originally Posted by Madreefer

Well when I dont empty my skimmer cup for 4-5 days my basement where my sump is smells like an effluent plant

That's a very good point, but I was thinking more about a skimmer-less tank stinking

Originally Posted by Coralgurl

I find my 180 has more of a fishy smell than this one

It makes sense if you feed your 50 less than your 180, or different WCs, or the Bioload ... Something about your 50 may be 'cleaner'

And something I meant to add awhile back ...

If it's working well the way it is now, don't fix it

[11purewater]

mine 's in my showroom at work ,no stinking allowed!therefore it doesn't stink except for reef crystals odor

[Palmer]

Yes that will teach me to stop using abreviations (i.e. cyano) to help me remember.

Not that this proves me correct but I posted this article here awhile back. After reading it I was quite suprised at the conclusions. With that said I like plastic candy as much as anyone else and having come from freshwater aquariums first I thought skimmers were the cats pajamas when starting my first SW tank and given enough evidence I could be convinced to hook a lava lamp to my sump and would love it.

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2010/1/aafeature

Another interesting thing is most say that skimmers are only good for SW due to the surface tension but they use skimmers in commercial freshwater fish farming. I dont exactly know how/why but I always assumed the high nutrient levels in fish farming tanks could increase the salt or dissolved organics enough to create a significant enough surface tension to create bubbles...

[Coralgurl]

Originally Posted by Palmer

Yes that will teach me to stop using abreviations (i.e. cyano) to help me remember.

Not that this proves me correct but I posted this article here awhile back. After reading it I was quite suprised at the conclusions. With that said I like plastic candy as much as anyone else and having come from freshwater aquariums first I thought skimmers were the cats pajamas when starting my first SW tank and given enough evidence I could be convinced to hook a lava lamp to my sump and would love it.

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2010/1/aafeature

Another interesting thing is most say that skimmers are only good for SW due to the surface tension but they use skimmers in commercial freshwater fish farming. I dont exactly know how/why but I always assumed the high nutrient levels in fish farming tanks could increase the salt or dissolved organics enough to create a significant enough surface tension to create bubbles...

Great article! Gonna stick with my plan above. After reading this, I'd like to gauge the difference between the 2 tanks over time.

Obviously bio loads are different but are relative to each system. Water change schedule is the same for both ATM, every 2 weeks.

Things were working great, something has changed. Picked up new filters for the RO unit, just need to switch over. Getting motivated to go grab water and lug upstairs.....warm on the couch with a fire going......