[FoodSounds]

how long do i leave my protein skimmer on, i just found it, and am i supposed to just leave it on like a filter, or only like once a week for an hour

[pbukow]

24/7 my friend, unless you want to do more water changes or have another means of nutrient export like a refugium, still not as effective as a good skimmer though

[glampka]

Absolutely 24/7!

[Krazy]

Run it for 24/7

[walkerj14]

because mine is noisy,,,, it's on a timer,,, runs from 10a.m. till 5 p.m. and then again from 11 p.m. till 5 a.m. and seems to do a great job.... having some down time also allows you to feed coral with certain food that requires the skimmer to be turned off....and clean
thanks,
joe

[RyanG]

Originally Posted by walkerj14

having some down time also allows you to feed coral with certain food that requires the skimmer to be turned off....and clean
thanks,
joe

Yes I agree!

I turn mine off when I feed my corals phyto

[pyromaniac398]

I do the same when I feed

[ACE]

I was told to take the carbon out of my nano when I feed by my pet store (don't have a skimmer for my nano yet so I don't need to turn it off)

[pbukow]

The carbon itself binds with chemicals and pollutants in the water column, not food. The food might get caught between the pieces of carbon or the netting its in but it won't remove food like a skimmer would

[coralreefer]

Unless you have a compelling reason to shut it off, allow your protein skimmer to run continuously. It performs as a "protein filter" this allows for constant removal of wastes early in the decomposition process. The end result will be a slower rise in your nitrates. Naturally it also promotes gas exchange and oxygenates the water...