On 8 Nov 2003 15:56:51 -0800, (spun 12) wrote:

I been in the hobby for about a year and started off with the hight
tech approach to a planted aquarium. I have 4 wpg of light and
compessed Co2 on a 75g tank.(48Lx24Wx18H) I add ferts on a regular
basis along with water changes every 1-2 weeks. I still have algea
that is on leaves and glass. Some is more brown and some is green. I
just purchased a protein skimmer for next to nothing. I figured I'd
give it a try or a week or two. Has anyone ever used one on a planted
tank? I know that it will take some nutrients away but Ive been having
trouble with nitrate so really I hope to remove that. Any info or
thoughts would be great!

MB in IL
Skimmers don't work well in fresh water. It will also remove CO2 which
is something you don't want. One the upside for a fish only tank it
will remove the film of scum that sometimes collects on the surface of
the water. Fast growing plants will remove the excess nitrate if
that's what you want to accomplish.