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View Full Version : Skimming on Hypo Tank

dous
08/20/2006, 08:27 PM
I'm running a hypo-salinity tank to remove ich and was wondering if I can use a skimmer on the hospital tank? No meds will be used but I heard somewhere that running a skimmer on 1.009 salinity affects the SG level? Is this true? Is it not safe to run an established skimmer?
ChemE
08/20/2006, 08:34 PM
A skimmer is incapable of effecting specific gravity. The water it pulls out has the same density as the water which passes through it. Now, a skimmer may have poor foam production at that salinity since we all know that they do zero at 0 ppm salinity but that is another story.
dous
08/21/2006, 08:22 AM
So there would be no issues skimming on a hypo tank, whatsoever?
ChemE
08/21/2006, 06:34 PM
I can't imagine that there would be.
MrZ
08/21/2006, 06:45 PM
Only that skimmers will run much less efficiently at the lower SG and may not produce skimmate at all. Protein skimmers will not work for freshwater tanks because bubbles will not build up like they will in seawater. Won't hurt - but give it a try and let us know if you are getting any real ammount of skimmate.
dous
08/21/2006, 06:53 PM
OK, I will set it up after I get my new Aqua C Remora Pro going in my main tank. The reason I want to try to skim is because my QT/Hypo tank is overstocked (20g with 8 small fish from minor ich breakout) and was wondering if the skimmer would help lessen the load on the sponge filter and powerhead that's running right now. I'll keep everyone posted.
MrZ
08/21/2006, 07:12 PM
Water changes will be your best remedy. Large changes and do them frequently. Do you have a refractometer to make sure your SG is where you want it to be?
ChemE
08/21/2006, 07:54 PM
The Aqua C Remora Pro is not exactly renowned as being a prolific skimmer at 1.025; I can only imagine what the results will be at 1.009! Like we've both said though, it can't hurt and it should increase dissolved oxygen, pH, and ORP whether it skims any junk out or not.
dous
08/21/2006, 09:26 PM
Hmm.. I actually bought the AquaC Pro with Mag 3 to replace my Coralife SS 65 thats on my 55 right now. I'm hoping the ACRP will be much better than the CSS65 at least.
ChemE
08/21/2006, 10:17 PM
I just got an Octopus NW-200 for my 55 and I have to say so far I'm pretty impressed. I realize that it is overkill for a 55 but it is destined for a 75 gallon sump under my new 190. But in the meantime, it is kicking butt in my 29 gallon sump on my 55. Not a bad deal for $200 delivered.