View Full Version : Can I do this...
JonPM
01-13-2004, 12:30 AM
OK here's the deal. I have a 20gal SW tank with a Via Aqua Multi-Skimmer in my bedroom (small apt). It's still in its cycling phase, but I plan to eventually add 2 maybe 3 small fish, some coral, and possibly an anemome. Oh and a cleaning crew. Anyways, my question is this. The Multi-Skimmer is one loud @ss skimmer/pump that doesn't let me sleep. Would it be ok if I were to turn it off for a period of 6-8 hours during the night and instead run an air pump with an airstone in the tank? This would probably only be for 3-4nights a week. Oh and there will be some circulation inside the tank by a pump thats in there. I hope you all say yes, if not I'll probably do it anyways :) It just won't let me sleep and I've thought once or twice about gettin rid of it. But I would like to keep it, it is just a nice little setup. Anyways, your opinions would be great.
Oh also, my tank has been cycling for 2 weeks now and there's still no algae growth and the levels are still high. What gives? Do I gotta wait a little longer?
mogurnda
01-13-2004, 8:35 AM
The problem with having the skimmer off at night is that is when the tank needs aeration most. In addition to removing organics, the skimmer is a major aerator. At night, when photosynthesis has stopped, O2 levels drop and CO2 goes up, so the skimmer is very useful then. The airstone is a decent idea, but will increase evaporation and salt creep.
You might think about upgrading your skimmer at some point. I haven't heard rave reviews about the Multi-Skimmer.
The cycle will be going on for several more weeks. Hang tight.
JonPM
01-16-2004, 10:40 AM
Do you know if tha airstone will work? I've now heard from several places that airstones don't really supply the water with oxygen.
I have also been told that airstones will not provide much oxygen.
I think it is because there is not much total water movement throughout the whole tank with a small stream of air bubbles to provide the good exchange for the oxygen. If you want to keep a few fish in that little tank you will need a power head creating water movement or upgrade that skimmer motor. I am also not familiar with that skimmer. Alternating levels oxygen could through your tank stability out of whack. So for safety reasons I cannot recommend it, but maybe someone else has been able to do it successfully. A small power head is not much money.
There is a small powerhead submersible pump in the tank already.