Octopus Skimmer

[andysgirl8800]

I have a large Octopus skimmer connected to my system that's been running very well for the last 3 years. However, it RARELY pulls out much of anything, and I don't need to clean it very often at all. Since I have huge quantities of LR in my tank and sump, and a variety of CUC, do I really NEED to keep this skimmer running?

 

[Bifferwine]

I'd say not. I eventually disconnected my giant Octopus skimmer from my 90 gallon tank. It was the skimmer I used on my 240, and was rated for 300+ gallons, so it was kind of overkill for my 90.

I had a 40 gallon fuge filled with rock and chaeto, and I believe at some point, the tank became self sufficient, relying on the fuge for water quality. My skimmer just stopped pulling gunk, and my water parameters were great. I disconnected the skimmer and for the last year and a half that I had the tank skimmerless, it did fine (I just recently got rid of the tank).

I think the more "mature" and established a tank gets, the less you need to rely on outside methods of filtration like skimmers.

 

[andysgirl8800]

Thanks for the feedback! In that case, will be dismantling it with the next water change. should see a small reduction in the constant hum of equipment, heat trandfer of the pump, and barely measureable energy consumption. :bounce: