Hi Dan,
Ask John Tullock to explain why protein skimmers (and I mean
good ones) seam to have little or no effect on most peoples algae
problems, in a well run system the amount of DOC should be quite small,
if the tank is over fed then it isn't well run. The main nutrients
fuelling algae in the vast majority of tanks with an algae problem are
nitrate and phosphate, nitrate being far and away the main offender. A
protein skimmer will not, I repeat will not remove nitrate. So how can
you justify the claim that a protein skimmer will control algae ?. It
will help a little for those people that have a lot of DOC but will but
will do nothing to eliminate the main problem,and high DOC usually
means high nitrates. Don't misunderstand me I'm not anti Protein
skimmers in fact I consider them essential. I'm just trying to quell
the misconception that Protein skimmers will remove nitrates. I'm
finding a lot of people that think biological filters i.e. bio wheels,
canisters, wet & drys etc., (all of which are nitrate factories) are ok
because they have a protein skimmer that will remove the nitrates not
so.
regards,
unclenorm.

DD wrote:
unclenorm -

John Tullock, the famous reef expert, writes,

"One important algae nutrient is Dissolved Organic Matter (DOC). Removal of
DOC by means of a protein skimmer is one of the simplest techniques of algae
control."

Also see the section on Lightining - I believe he is in agreement with what
I said, it's just a matter of "chosen words."

http://www.amdareef.com/ho_algae.htm

Dan




"unclenorm" wrote in message
oups.com...
Hi Dan,
A protein skimmer will not export nutrients, if it did
nobody would have an algae problem, lights are not the cause of algae
although they can contribute to the growth, algae is caused by excess
neutriants, caused by incorrect filtration, or from the water supply,
or overfeeding. The best nutrient control, after you have eliminated
the main source is a deep sand bed 4" to 6" in the tank or the
refugium.
regards,
unclenorm.