skimmer vs phosphates

BigJim · #1 02/16/2007, 06:07 PM

Time for the dumb question of the day:

Do protein skimmers remove phosphates?

Randy1 · #2 02/16/2007, 06:08 PM

No. They remove the organics before they can break down into Phos. and Nitrates.

supervdl · #3 02/16/2007, 06:09 PM

For that reason a good skimmer goes a long way in getting you good overall water parameters.

BigJim · #4 02/16/2007, 06:19 PM

That's what I thougt. I've got major phophate issues. I can't reduce them and I've tried it all:
-reduced feeding an started soaking food
-added a refugium
-increased water changes
-used ridiculous amounts of rowaphos

Haven't put a dent in the phosphates though.

supervdl · #5 02/16/2007, 06:22 PM

Are you using RO/DI water for your water changes?

BigJim · #6 02/16/2007, 06:27 PM

Yup. I've even checked for phophates in that and there aren't any.

supervdl · #7 02/16/2007, 07:13 PM

Not to get off topic - but it has to come somehow into your system. Like some of the other things you listed, a skimmer will only do the export part - there must be a reason for it coming into the tank in the first place.

benray4fun · #8 02/16/2007, 08:38 PM

Get a poly-filter, it will clean the phosphates up, but you still have to find the source for long term success...

old salty · #9 02/17/2007, 01:10 AM

What kind of food are you feeding?

nathan_unsane · #10 02/17/2007, 01:33 AM

i just got a octopus NW 200...

it's huge!!!

well in comparison to my seaclone 100...

i'm hoping to see a great improvement