Wet Skimate

[Dustoff79]

Not sure if this is the correct forum for this question. I am about to purchase a skimmer for my tank. My question is on water replacement. I understand the function of the skimmer and as the skimmate is collected some is tank water (depending on how wet you allow). Do you take that water in account and replace with saltwater or freshwater. I assume the skimmate is saltwater along with the organics and if you do not replace with saltwater your specific gravity would eventually decrease as my ATO will replace the saltwater loss with fresh. Am I wrong? or am I over thinking this and the amount is negligable.

[justahobby]

My experience has been that my salinity raises, not lowers. Every few WC's I compensate w/ a lower salinity. I know certain brands of chemicals like magnesium and calcium have added salts to make up for losses. Either way, it's nothing drastic and regular testing will keep you spot on. Most skimmers will also allow you to skim "wetter" or "dryer". Some people even do their water changes by skimming very wet.

[Mr Cob]

You are right the water being removed by the skimmer is saltwater but no one really skims wet enough for it to really impact your SG by ATO water replacement. Most skim pretty dry. Also....it would only matter if you had a HUGE skimmer or a itty bitty tank...like a little pico.

[Mr Cob]

Some people even do their water changes by skimming very wet.

lol, never thought of that before. My skimmer is not large enough for that to be efficient...but if I ever get one large enough I'll have to remember this.

[justahobby]

I've read thread on RC (maybe here too?) about it. I haven't done it because I like to clean the sand, rock, and suck up those adorable little starfish.

[Dustoff79]

Ok, so understand it really will not impact unless I really go with alot of really wet skimmate. Thanks