Post by angelminx on Apr 2, 2015 23:45:53 GMT -5
I don't know how true this is, since I can't test it myself, but I just read something in the December 2008 issue of AFM's (at this time being called Aquarium Fish International) "The Aquarist's Notebook" section of the magazine, by a Richard Durso.
It mentions that (for aquarists using large skimmers) using activated carbon to filter the air exiting the skimmer helps with the day-to-day smell. Also: he has begun to use calcium hydroxide powder (kalkwasser) mixed with some water in the collection cup. "It appears that the increased pH from the kalkwasser in the effluent affects whatever process produces the smell. It can greatly reduce or eliminate the smell in skimmate for days." After the normal cleaning of the skimmer, you add some kalkwasser back into the collection cup--not a lot is needed, but you will have to experiment to "find the ideal amount for your skimmate."
I hope this helps those of you that have this problem. He also mentions to "never clean the skimmer before company is about to arrive--I made that mistake once."
Angelminx
It mentions that (for aquarists using large skimmers) using activated carbon to filter the air exiting the skimmer helps with the day-to-day smell. Also: he has begun to use calcium hydroxide powder (kalkwasser) mixed with some water in the collection cup. "It appears that the increased pH from the kalkwasser in the effluent affects whatever process produces the smell. It can greatly reduce or eliminate the smell in skimmate for days." After the normal cleaning of the skimmer, you add some kalkwasser back into the collection cup--not a lot is needed, but you will have to experiment to "find the ideal amount for your skimmate."
I hope this helps those of you that have this problem. He also mentions to "never clean the skimmer before company is about to arrive--I made that mistake once."
Angelminx
