SPS - Does skimming remove Phyto?

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Does skimming remove Phyto?

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Category: Specialized Discussion
Forum Name: SPS
Forum Description: This is the place to ask questions SPS corals.
URL: http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=633
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Topic: Does skimming remove Phyto?

Posted By: utahtaper
Subject: Does skimming remove Phyto?
Date Posted: June 15 2003 at 2:47pm

I would like to hear some opinions on this subject. Or even hard data if someone has some.

Thx,
Jason

Replies:

Posted By: Adam Blundell
Date Posted: June 15 2003 at 2:51pm

I'm sure it does. The problem with skimmers (if there is a problem) is that they work too well. They are incredibly well designed and efficient. I'm sure they pull out phyto. I would turn my skimmer down, or off when adding phyto. I don't know of any good studies or data on this subject, but I have heard people say that when they dump in phyto they can watch their skimmer cup fill up.

Adam

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Come to a meeting, they�re fun!

Posted By: mdawson8931
Date Posted: June 15 2003 at 3:00pm

Great question! Now, On the same thought, how long do you leave the skimmer off after adding phyto? Also does everyone turn off powerhead and flow devices while feeding and for how long? <SCRIPT language=javascript>postamble();

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Mike
Layton, Ut.

Posted By: Mark Peterson
Date Posted: June 16 2003 at 9:03pm

In my 10 gal tank without skimming but an extremely heavy filter feeding population, it takes approxiamately 2 hours for the cloudiness caused by 2 cups of phytoplankton to disappear. I suggest that each hobbyist do their own observation and let that determine how long to leave the skimmer off.

Don't turn off water circulating pumps. That's how plankton gets to the coral! And actually the more (more not faster) water movement the better.

But Mike, why are you using a skimmer anyway? I know your tank. Your tank is too new and has too little for the coral to eat as it is. You really don't need to even consider using a skimmer for another six months unless you plan to add a lot of SPS coral.

Posted By: utahtaper
Date Posted: June 16 2003 at 9:27pm

Hey Mark,

It's probably me that you should direct your question to. I run a skimmer on my tank. Why would I only want to concern myself with running it when housing SPS?

Posted By: mdawson8931
Date Posted: June 16 2003 at 9:35pm

The skimmer isnt up and running but is almost plumbed in and ready to go for future use. The skimmer was just a great deal from Rfoote and couldnt pass it up. I have been feeding phyto ever since I brought the clam home although not enough from the sounds of it. I was just wondering about the skimmer question cause I had heard someone saying they turn off the circulation while feeding but never how long they turn it off.

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Mike
Layton, Ut.

Posted By: Mark Peterson
Date Posted: June 16 2003 at 9:38pm

Because of how it removes good coral food. I wrote an article a few years ago for the Sea Star. Anyone wishing to read it may email me and I'll attach it to the reply.

The exception may be that SPS seem to do better (at least this is still my safest opinion) with very nutrient poor water. I may be revising my position after I see how well the SPS do in my skimmerless heavily stocked 10 gal after about six more months of observation under heavy feeding.

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