Skimmer

[vegasadam]

Hi all, I was hoping someone had some answers for me. I was wondering how much crud the skimmer should be pulling? I have a Top Phatom skimmer in a 142 gallon with FOLR. I have a yellow tang, flame angel, 2 clarkii's, 2 yellow tail damsels, and a royal gramma. With the ability to regulate the skimmer I was wondering if I had it set to low. My water parameters are all zero but I dont seem to get much crud. I have lots of bubbles but not much spilling over the top.
Adam

 

[OrionGirl]

It really depends on a number of factors. In my 10, I don't get that much crud, but there's only a few inverts in there, and I do regular water changes and feed lightly. As long as the parameters are easy to maintain, I wouldn't worry much. You might want to set your skimmer on a timer, have it run for 3-4 hours a day, and see if that works better. When there's a low load, this method works well, as long as you have enough surface agitation in other parts of the system to allow adequate gas exchange.

 

[vegasadam]

Thanks for the help and I kinda thought that there wasn't a "rule" for skimming. Unfourtunately I cant have my skimmer on a timer as I have only one pump for my system. I guess I can try just putting it on and off when I get home from work and before I go to bed. Again thanks for the help and while I will never say this is an easy hobby it does get easier with the help this board provides.
Adam