[Dr. Clyde]

So after the 3k I've dropped into my tank in the last 8 weeks I don't want to buy any more equipment but I have this low end ozone generator so I was thinking of putting it on a timer to run a couple hours a day on the skimmer intake. How long should I let it run unmonitored each day?

[Taras1]

Bad idea to let it run unmonitored. Ozone is nice but not really necessary. Because it's so toxic and reactive, I wouldn't run it without being able to monitor it (IMHO).

PS: I noticed your thread about no skimmate. Ozone not only decolorizes, but it also reduces the amount of skimmate. It reacts with the wastes and decreases the amount so you get less skimmate.

[Dr. Clyde]

The instructions that came with the ozone generator say to run it twice a day for 2 hours each & to install it on the skimmer intake to improve skimming?

[pogodzib]

Ozone usually increases the waste for a few days when you first install it and then reduces the waste thereafter since it is breaking down the waste before the skimmer removes it. It is highly recommended to use an ORP controller, or at least monitor, when running ozone, but it can be used without causing personal harm without a monitor. The monitor makes sure that the tank's inhabitants are safe. Personally, I've never seen any problems caused by running an ozonizer at a rate of 10-15% of the tank volume for 4 hrs/day and it should keep the water clear, but for the cost of a controller, why would you want to risk the livestock health? I use the Milwaukee ORP controller. You can get them new for $100, which is well worth the investment if you plan on using ozone.

[Dr. Clyde]

Thanks for the info. Maybe I'll just shelve it for a while.