[jeff fenn]

hey guys

I was wondering is it safe to assume that the more protien skimming you have going on the less you will have to change the water. Or is this complete assinine and stupid to even conjure up such a dream.

Thanks jeff

[dougchambers]

Jeff,

In my opinion, no. Heavy protein skimming won't minimize the number of regular water changes required. Remember that the water changes also replace trace minerals in addition to removing contaminates.

With that said, I've heard of people that run large systems and haven't done a water change in over a year.

For our system, I see it as cheap insurance for our livestock and feel it helps with the overall health of our corals. We also have 6 clams and they are very picky about their water.

Doug

[smackwater]

well, in my opinion.

I think you would have to do more frequent water changes without a protein skimmer than if you have one. waste would accumulate faster with no way to export it. So I have to say yes a think a protein skimmer does cut down on the frequency of water partials. If you want to do water partials constantly you dont need a skimmer, but is'nt that what a skimmer is for? Maybe I just did'nt understand the ?

-smackwater

[dougchambers]

smackwater,

I agree that without a skimmer you would have to perform water changes more frequently. It's really a trade off. Lots of people will tell you that over skimming will pull 'good' stuff out of the water to which would require more water changes.

I guess my point being, even if you are aggressively skimming, water changes are still effective.

Doug

[OscarBeast]

My tank is a little smaller than most, but on my 10-gallon nano, I run a Red Sea Prizm skimmer 24/7 and do weekly water changes too.

[reefer504]

I don't have a skimmer on my 75g and I have not done a water change in about 6months.