skimming too much ?

[adrianleewelch]

I have a new DIY skimmer, thanks to Geoff and the mantled monster for the plans, It is a big one at 41 inches tall, and 4 inch diameter, anyway I have it running pretty dry and it is amazing, however, when I add trace elements (mine are in a blue liquid), I get about equal amount of blue liquid in the skimmate, my calcium has also dropped (kalkwasser drip), do you guys turn yours off when adding things, or increase the dosing, my HOB skimmer never seemed to remove the trace elements, or could it just be removing the dye ?? Oh yea Geoff, my ammonia, nitrate and nitrate have all dropped to ZERO in the last week, they were very very low before but I give all the credit to the skimmer !!

[Geoff]

that is great to hear!!!

is there a reason you are adding trace elements? if you do anykind of regular water changes this will replenish your trace elements. by adding trace elements you could be scewing the chemical balance in the water. this could lead to problems later on.

i have not had a problem with my Ca dropping. besides the fact that i SPS and clams in the tank. hopefully a Chem person can chime in on this. i am guessing the trace elements may have scewed things enough that the alk and Ca are out of wack. have you checked your alk?

i want pics!!!

G~