protein skimmers?!

[cyro]

What are the losses of the ps s for the reefs?

Are they completely good ?

 

[SnowManSnow]

I'm not sure I understand your question. Are you asking if you need one? Or What do they do?

B.

 

[bleedingthought]

You lose some nutrients and such but in my short experience, you gain more. You don't necessarily need one as long as your husbrandry is in check, esp. with water changes. But I feel like it doesn't hurt much at all to have one. HTH

 

[ChrisRD]

IMO the advantages of a protein skimmer far outweigh any possible disadvantages.

 

[cyro]

yes what do they do ?

what are the losing nutrients? ex: planktons?!
what is in dark water in its case that collecting ?

 

[ChrisRD]

They remove dissolved organic compounds from the water. Nitrogen and phosphorus are among these and actively exporting them from the system greatly reduces problems with accumulation of excess nitrates, nuisance algaes and promotes calcification (ie. growth of hard corals and coralline algaes). Skimmers also generally increase gas exchange in the system which helps prevent excess CO2 build-up and can help stabilize pH levels.

Here's a link to an article/study about exports from reef aquaria:
http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2002- ... /index.php

 

[cyro]

thank you..