extra wet skimmate vs. water change

[brad]

I am trying to lower the nutrients in my system (120 gallon display + 100 gallon sump), nitrates measure high (50ppm), I bet phosphate is high but don't measure. I have done several large water changes, but I know I should do more (time, school, work, Christmas shopping).

Yesterday, I was cleaning my skimmer (large downdraft) and accidentally set it way too high. Running water (not dripping) is leaving the top. Everything is still foam though - I have not raised the water level above 1/4 up my column. What I get is a 5 gallon bucket every 8 hours that is just murky enough I cannot see the bottom.

I am tempted to just plumb my skimmer to a drain (a 5 minute project) and keep replacing the skimmed water for a few weeks. The skimmed water is much higher in nutrients than the tank water, and I have to replace less water this way, and can do it more gradually.

What I am worried about is what the skimmer is taking out that is desirable (magnesium, iodine, trace elements, etc). I am still adding new water, so salinity isn't a concern, pH is monitored closely, and I test calcium/alk every once in a while.

[miatawnt2b]

Interesting thought. Me likes.
-J

[Donw]

As long as your replacing the lost water with salt water and the evap water with rodi water you'll be fine.

Don

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Water changes are good, and doing them by removing wet skimmate is even more effective.