My skimmerless goal

I've been running my Biocube a while now without a skimmer and I feel if you are keeping up with WC and not over feeding than there shouldn't be much problem. The algae and bacteria in the tank should be able to handle the loads of waste chemicals.

 

I'm just going by the link he posted at the beginning of the thread.

 

I have run systems without a skimmer, but never a ULNS SPS tank on such a large scale.

My goal is to keep near 0 N/P while also providing a lot of food for the system.

 

Awesome goal. I do really like the idea. Are you planning to run GAC though? A lot of toxins and metals do get bound up in organic complexes though and removed via a skimmer and/or GAC. An ATS will not do so as it will not remove organic molecules. Also, organic carbon may build up without removal or organics. This excess carbon can destabilize the symbiosis between corals and mucus associated bacteria.

GAC, for the most part removes everything a skimmer removes and then some. So, running extra GAC could potentially defeat the purpose. However, running a normal amount, may just become exhausted very quickly without a skimmer... So, I'm not sure if an ATS can really replace a skimmer/GAC and produce the benifits you are hoping for, but it will be interesting to see.

 

You have a really nice system and it sounds like you've gone crazy with research so I'm definitely going to stay posted and see what your results are. You have my dream tank for sure...

Grim do you have a skimmer running for your 30g? I removed my Biocube skimmer because it was only making wet wet skim. What would you advise?

 

No matter what, I will keep my GAC available. I may even run GAC and Skimmer friday/saturday. Then feed every sunday. Kind of polish up the system then add new food. And run my Algae Scrubbers everyday 18 hours a day with flow for 24 hours a day (when I get two I'll off set the time so there is always one running)

I'm still learning the science behind GAC. I don't know all of it's benefits/disadvantages.

 

Thank you for the compliment!

I run a HOB on my 30 gallon, it seems like it's always leaking or overflowing. I never seem to get a proper cup of skimmate out of it. For a tank that size, large weekly water changes are silly easy. I did a 5 gallon bucket every Sunday (not really... I wasn't that steady about it... probably every other week on average) and that kept everything solid as a rock.

15% weekly water changes on my tank now, would be more like 30 gallons and I feed much more aggressively. (a lot more to feed)


I don't think anything replaces water changes. But if I can minimize them and run high food and low waste then I should be able to keep vibrantly colored sticks and meaty awesome LPS! Lol.

 

Anyone have any input on the effects of running a skimmer intermittently?

Like 1 day a week...

 

My friend and professor wrote this article last year... Worth a read as it's the elemental breakdown of skimmate. Feature Article: Elemental Analysis of Skimmate: What Does a Protein Skimmer Actually Remove from Aquarium Water? — Advanced Aquarist's Online Magazine
If you can export these elements naturally then it's worth it. But I will give experience here: I have tried them all and a natural export means works amazingly, however you NEED to stay on top of manual removal via water change occasionally or it will fail. After all I have tried, I am a fan of over skimming (despite the slight downfalls to it).

 

Dingo, you rock. That is exactly what I was looking for! Thank you so much.

Do you have any experience with running the skimmer for short periods such as one day a week?