How long can I go without my skimmer (broken)?

[nomotivs]

Just switched tanks and in the process broke my protein skimmer. How long will my tank be ok without it? About half the water in the tank is new but switching all the live rock over stirred up a lot of junk. Thanks.

[twon8]

i would throw a filter in somehow, even a filter sock on the overflow discharge. As long as you don't feed a lot, you should be all right for months at least, as long as you do water changes. I basically went skimmerless for my first year. I'm not recomending it, just telling you it can be done.

[reefshadow]

Yup, pretty much indefinately. Make sure to rinse out any mech. filtration media often. Better to repair or replace your skimmer though.

Out of curiosity, what part of your skimmer broke? I've repaired one with a two inch diameter hole punched right through the column and cracks radiating outward from it. Ouch!

:)

[mg426]

Dont sweat it to bad. Think of it as an over due oil change. Your engine is not going to blow up at say 3001 miles, but I would not try to stretch 10000 out of it

[j0tca]

I'll second forever, a skimmer isn't neccessary to keep animals alive. You can filter the water other ways (carbon,water changes)

[kindafun]

Mine broke about 2 months ago and I know that the water is nutrient rich. Have just been using a filter sock. Have an ASM G-3 arriving in 2 days, can hardly wait because the water doesn't look great, get's kinda scummy on top. That's when I know it's time to change the water!

You can go without a skimmer though, I have a variety of different things in the tank and they're fine. Well, they look fine. I'm done taking the chance!!!

[integlikewhoa]

Some people dont run them on the tank at all. I personally do and would recommend you get one as soon as possible but youll be ok for awhile.

[pro99line]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6628001#post6628001 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by j0tca
I'll second forever, a skimmer isn't neccessary to keep animals alive. You can filter the water other ways (carbon,water changes)

I'll third this quote. I have a friend that has not run a skimmer in over 10 years and his aquarium looks great.

[nomotivs]

Thanks everyone.

[nomotivs]

I actually might try going without a skimmer for a while just out of curiosity.