O.K. All the cutting, gluing and assembly are done. Now comes the acid test. If you followed all the steps outlined above, there should not be any leaks! If by some stroke of bad luck a leak should form, shut everything down. Cut the offending joint out and replace with a likewise fitting. Manufacturers know this happens and make "connectors" to join two lengths of the same Schedule PVC pipe together. Simply prime it up, apply glue and allow it to set. Then add primer and dope to the other end and slip over the other raw end of your line. Done! Instant patch.
Skimming 24/7 Controversy
I mentioned in the close of Chapter
4 that I would address the controversy of running skimmers 24/7 as
opposed to running only several hours a day. I can only state that in 12
years of continuous skimming, 24/7, I have never, ever experienced any
adverse effects on my water chemistry or had any organism suffer from it.
Many systems, such as Jaubert and other "Natural" systems, shy away from
skimming at all! Dr. Addey claims that algae scrubbing is all that is needed
to maintain his biosphere's. Natural planktonic blooms are adversely effected
by skimming, I'll agree. How many folks actually nurture plankton in their
systems, though? Maybe the top 20% in the hobby???
In response to this I can only say that the advantages to the average hobbyist far outweigh the "purity" approach of Natural methodology. Red Slime is a case in point. DOC's are another. I am not stating that I am right and they are wrong. All I advocate is that to the average aquarist, 24/7 skimming of a saltwater system is cheap insurance to keep nasties and impurities out of your water chemistry. Advanced hobbyists will disagree. No problem. Advanced means a working knowledge of the system, water chemistry and animal husbandry. GO for it! I however, will always have a protein skimmer on any system I design or buy, running it's little heart out, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! Nuff sed...
In closing I would like to dedicate this series of skimmer articles to the late, great Don Dewey of FAMA (Freshwater and Marine Aquarium Magazine). Don's monthly periodical was my first inspiration when joining the saltwater "club". His magazine goes on, as does his memory. I had the honor and privilege of meeting Don and Pat Crews (his Associate Editor at that time) here in Toledo at the annual Weak Signals Radio Control Show. Don was Editor-In-Chief of RCM, (Radio Control Magazine) as well. All I can say is, you'll be missed... EXCELSIOR!
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List & How To Repair Leaks
