Part Time Or Full Time Skimming

[Proteus]

Originally Posted by Madreefer

Is there a reason why you wouldn't skim 24/7?
The oceans work 24/7 so why would our skimmers not?

For some reason I am unable to get rid of micro bubbles, I have tried two different skimmers and had same result. I would now think that the bubble traps in sump are to blame but am unable to change or modify sump. I also have a huge overrated skimmer with a moderate bioload.. When I started using zeo. Alexander on zeos forum suggested part time skimming to prevent stripping bacteria from the water column. I changed to a modified carbon dosing system as the full zeo employment was stripping water to sterilization.
I think that my skimmer was not skimming during the day due to ph fluctuations from photosynthesis. (but I'm probably not correct.
Here is a small right up from unique corals

As you know, I've written repeatedly about how we don't skim 24/7/365 at UC anymore, and how our corals reflected this in better color and more consistent growth. So, since we know that skimming isn't quite as efficient at removing DOC as we used to assume, perhaps it's the removal of some of the inorganic stuff (CaCO3, MgCO3, and SiO2 ) that negatively affects the growth of our corals when we skim aggressively and continuously. Regardless, skimming super aggressively (as I used to do during the 1990's) has, in my experience, historically resulted in less colorful, less rapidly-growing corals. Our experience at Unique Corals with backing off of the protein skimming has been completely positive.

I'm not telling reefers to turn their protein skimmers into vases. What I am suggesting is that we employ multiple methods of nutrient control and export so that we don't rely excessively on any one practice, methodology, or piece of hardware. If I had to choose just one method, I'd employ regular water exchanges, as they offer the dual benefit of removing dissolved organic compounds from the system, while helping replenish inorganic compounds and materials removed by skimming and animal metabolism.

[Madreefer]

That's interesting. I've had the pump go on my skimmer and the one week wait for a replacement caused me a lot of stress but I'm also a heavy feeder. I like Brad's explanation on skimming, why do half a flush after going to the washroom. I'm sure you've already tried this but have you put a felt filter sock on the outlet of your protein skimmer?

[Proteus]

I've laid filter floss over the baffles before and it did help somewhat. I should find some sponge type of material to put between baffles which would probably trap bubbles