Running a skimmer on a timer?

[tprize]

I was wondering if you can run a skimmer on a timer, and if you do is there any negative side effects?

The reason I ask is my skimmer is very loud, so I would like to only run it at night. I have a skimmer rated at a much higher tank size then mine.

Skimmer is a Aqua C Remora Pro With Mag 3 Pump upgrade on a 40G Thanks guys

-Tony

[tprize]

Someone must know.

[Mattmcf]

how large is your bio load? it shouldn't be a problem, many people do not run their skimmers 24/7 because they believe it may be removing essential nutrients along with the fish poop! Try it out, test your parameters, start running the skimmer only at night, then test again after a week. You should be able to gauge the effectiveness this way. Good luck, let us know your results.

[ryanpal]

wow i thought skimmers were to run 24/7.

would like to hear more about this.

[The_Browns]

I run mine 24/7. No need to put them on a timer IMO

[tprize]

I will go ahead and start Monday with the 12 hour skimmer run. I will do a full parameter test Monday morning shut the skimmer off and do another test 7 days later.

[Rick2203]

no need to run the skimmer on a timer , but trust me from experience and if you search here , from others experience , ditch that skimmer its not doing much probably there are better skimmers out there for half the price of the Remora, ebay it, make some extra cash.

[tprize]

I have to have HOB, and that was the best I could find, Plus since I don't have a drilled tank the Overflow box keeps the surface perfectly clean.

[not_sponsored]

How long have you had the skimmer running, I've heard that the AquaC's have a break in period where they don't produce much skimmate and can be very loud. This can take anywhere from a couple days to a couple weeks.

[TWallace]

I seem to remember that you can wedge a paper towel into a part of the Remora and it dramatically reduces the noise. It's been a while since I sold mine, so I don't remember where it goes.

[msuzuki126]

Originally posted by tprize

The reason I ask is my skimmer is very loud, so I would like to only run it at night. I have a skimmer rated at a much higher tank size then mine.

Skimmer is a Aqua C Remora Pro With Mag 3 Pump upgrade on a 40G Thanks guys

-Tony

It really isn't rated for a larger tank than yours. If anything its just perfect.

[tprize]

It's not the spray noise, that has gone away it's a vibration noise that has started about 3 days ago.

[pledosophy]

You know if your not running a sump I'd really switch the Mag3 out for a Maxi Jet 1200. The vibration noise will go away, and you will have less pump to look at in the tank.

I'm assuming the vibrations are coming from the Mag3 because that was the case when I was running one. If the vibration is coming fromt he skimmer you can use the screws on the back to level it against the tank, put a piece of filter pad between them for extra cushion. You can also put a small piece of filter pad under the return to reduce the noise even further.

Owning the same skimmer I can tell you I think they are a piee of junk for many reasons, but of all things bad about them, one of the best thingsis tht they can be run virtually silent. Mine is three feet from my pillow, I can't hear it at all.

HTH

[tprize]

I will try leveling it. I have a hob sump with tons of thriving cheato

[pledosophy]

HOB sump?

Like one of the CPR's or something? Cheato will definetley help with food productiona nd some nutrient removal.

[criticle]

No, you can leave it on all the time and there will be no problem in doing so

[m2434]

Some people do run skimmers for 12 hrs a day and it is fine in some situations, but depends what you are keeping and your bio-load. However, I agree the Aqua C Remora Pro, like most skimmers are over-rated for capacity and it is probably just right.

[Pmolan]

My skimmer turns off for 1 minute every 4 hours.

[tprize]

Ok, so I should probably keep it running. I am tempted to sell it and take the money to get a Tunzee nano reef pack. any thoughts?

[pledosophy]

You would have to find an alternative method of removing the DOC's and deal witht he increased production of nitrite and nitrate. Would also have to deal with the effect it might have on your pH.

Cheaper to keep it. I know I have skimmerless systems too.