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

[MarkoD]

Originally Posted by Reef Pilot

Sounds like the "Hustler" beast skimmer...

It is the beast skimmer. And I wouldn't sell it because it pulls so much. And I'm planning a bigger tank. And wanna keep it

[Delphinus]

I would think that part-time skimming is better than no skimming. Things I would look at: how does it do on startup? Does it overflow or anything on the first surge? (Mine does, I have to turn the air valve on slowly..) When it's off, does it empty back into the sump and affect the level for ATO? Do you get skimmate gunk on the inside walls that might dry out if left off for a few hours?

What component is the power draw? Is it a separate feed pump? You could throttle it back, which would have the dual benefit of drawing less energy, plus increasing contact time.

[MarkoD]

It's a becket skimmer. It's all one pump

There's no overflow. It's always consistent.

[1eyedjyde]

you may have to look at how long it takes to start skimming, mine takes a bit of time before it pushes the bubble column into the collection cup, so if i were to run it for a couple hours and shut it off it wouldnt do much skimming.