protein skimmer is killing my coral

[JyMan]

Well after 10 mounths of having this tank.I finally added a skimmer.Hoping to
help my Nitrate problem(50)Two weeks later the water clearer than ever before.My nitrates are down to 25.there is no more cyno or diatoms.But my zoo's and sun coral dont open as much or look as healthy as before.The Big problem is my frog spawn that has always been open has completlydrawen it self back its housing(tube,shell ).All the level are the
same no change to ph,salinity,calcium,and alk.The phosphates are down through.I dont what to blame my new skimmer but it is the only changed item in my tank.Any suggestions.

[Brock Fluharty]

I have heard of protein skimmers being somewhat harmful to corals. I read on one forum...don't remember which one, but they said that corals actually did better without protein skimmers. I don't know if this is true or not, but I personally don't have a protein skimmer. I think they are way too expensive!

Brock

[Doctor_Reef]

Hmmmmmmmm...I don't think it is the skimmer... your nitrates are still 25 which means there are lots of nutrients in the water yet... I skim very heavy and have 0 phosphates 0 nitrates 0 silicates etc. and have the same kinds of coral you do... There may be some adjustment but I don't think it is the skimming... Are you feeding the coral??? I do feed mine twice a week...Your water quality is going up if you have gotten a head of the cyno and diatoms… So there may be some other underlying condition… I lose coral every once in a while but have pristine water conditions… Most thrive under these conditions if they get enough food light, and water movement….

[JyMan]

Thanks I know I should not blame the skimmer.My tanks is 29 gallon.so nitrates have been my only real problem.I know I should probley toss the ehiem canister and put a sump in its place or fuge,but that a project for another day($)I do dose with phyto and forumla 1 frozen.I like to use live brine when its available.Does anyone think the reduction of nutrients have caused the problem since the corals have become acustom to the preskimmer water quality.Everything is 0 except the nitrate 25. sal is 1.025 ph 8.2 to 8.3

[Doctor_Reef]

There may be an adjustment time for everything.....