Protein Skimmer

[dcontes77]

Hi Guys,

I was wondering if it is safe to turn off the "**** thing" at night.
My protein Skimmer flows into bio balls and I am afraid of killing nitrobacter if I dont oxygen them up??
Thank you

D

[hollyruebeck]

i run my skimmer 24/7, what kind of tank do you have ? no, u do not want to kill your bio-balls. is that your only biological filter?. Is it to loud or bug u n some way?with answers to these questions i could tell u more information if u would like.
thanks,
holly

[dcontes77]

It is a 50 g I have a HOB whisper filter and a Protein Skimer. A 1.5 inch Sand bed and no fish yet lol!
I am still cycling but it.

Thanks

[BTA]

why run a protein skimmer at all with no fish or corals?! you're cycling right? turn it off!

[dcontes77]

I know that I can turn it off, but it for the future when I will have my fish load.
Thanks

[loganj]

You don't have to run the skimmer all the time. Will the bio balls dry up without the skimmer running? If so, you might want to detail a powerhead to keep them wet down instead of the skimmer. Why do you want to turn the skimmer off? Too noisy?

[dcontes77]

The Bio Balls are totally submerge but if there is no waterflow going thru them is it that bad?
Yep It is pretty noisy and I would like to shut it off at night.

Thanks
D