steelcaveman
Premium Member
I have wondered how important a skimmer is to long term success.
Recently my skimmer impeller went out - so I went without a skimmer while I tried to find an impeller.
My zoos really seemed to love the lack of a skimmer.
I did find an impeller, but it did not work as well.
I noticed my nitrate and phosphate levels go up.
I started doing 20% weekly water changes.
After about one month hair algae started to grow fast and my SPS started to recede.
With my quest for a replacement impeller a failure - I decided to mesh mod the impeller I was able to find.
After one week - I am still removing one full cup of dark brown skimmate daily.
The hair algae has almost completely gone away and my phosphates and nitrates have gone down.
With that said - I am big believer in having a great skimmer.
Recently my skimmer impeller went out - so I went without a skimmer while I tried to find an impeller.
My zoos really seemed to love the lack of a skimmer.
I did find an impeller, but it did not work as well.
I noticed my nitrate and phosphate levels go up.
I started doing 20% weekly water changes.
After about one month hair algae started to grow fast and my SPS started to recede.
With my quest for a replacement impeller a failure - I decided to mesh mod the impeller I was able to find.
After one week - I am still removing one full cup of dark brown skimmate daily.
The hair algae has almost completely gone away and my phosphates and nitrates have gone down.
With that said - I am big believer in having a great skimmer.