Joel
January 16th 04, 01:09 AM
Ok, here I go again. It seems like there are both big pros and cons
about them. My primary concern is the way efficient skimming can
decimate phyto/zoo plankton populations, which subverts the natural
reef food chain. I've seen corals in Ecosystem skimmerless tanks and
the polyps look like they are healthier and more extended, possibly
due to the presence of more plankton. On the other hand, it seems a
good skimmer might help prevent unforseen disasters, like a fish
dying. It seems like there should be a happy medium, perhaps
occasional skimming that does not do too much damage to the water's
natural ecology. Comments?
ps - I spoke to Leng from the Ecosystem company and he said he does
not use them but they do have a useful place in certain instances.
Btw, I was a bio major but have no hands on reef experience --- yet.
Joel
about them. My primary concern is the way efficient skimming can
decimate phyto/zoo plankton populations, which subverts the natural
reef food chain. I've seen corals in Ecosystem skimmerless tanks and
the polyps look like they are healthier and more extended, possibly
due to the presence of more plankton. On the other hand, it seems a
good skimmer might help prevent unforseen disasters, like a fish
dying. It seems like there should be a happy medium, perhaps
occasional skimming that does not do too much damage to the water's
natural ecology. Comments?
ps - I spoke to Leng from the Ecosystem company and he said he does
not use them but they do have a useful place in certain instances.
Btw, I was a bio major but have no hands on reef experience --- yet.
Joel