Protein skimmer on/off

Need everyones' input on weather to run the protein skimmer when I go on vacation. It is a Coralife super skimmer and for the most part I like it and it does an adequate job, however, there have been times where, for some unknown reason, it goes crazy (for lack of of a better term) and over produces and keeps over flowing the cup for ever if left on. I have a drainage line to a milk jug but that only helps if I'm around. So, what does everyone think, on or off?

 

Off

An employee was fired but he left with a key. So I got to spend the night in a stinky LFS. Around 4 in the morning while I was half asleep on some bags of sand, a Coralife skimmer decided it should re-create "Old Faithful" and have a geyser. Luckily I was there to pull the plug.

 

well, if it goes crazy, would it overflow your jug in the amount of time that you are gone? How long will you be gone? Ever thought of investing in a skimmer that works properly?

 

Can you make the milk jug be placed over the sump so it would spill back into the system if it overflows? If not I would unplug it.

Because if it goes crazy while your gone your system will most likely fill with fresh water lowering your salinity to much. (If you have an top off system.)

 

Usually this only happens when you touch the tank , correct ? I know mine does after maintenance but never when left alone.

Without trying to solve the problem, If you have doubts, leave it off.
Personally I would rather a dead fish, (Extreme case) over a flooded house.

My CPR is the same way, but with a large overflow attached you would be fine.

You could also try raising the cup to get less liquid while you are gone.


\Good luck

 

Thanks for all the input so far but I wouldn't want the concentrated poison going back in the tank. No worry about flooding as it is in the sump. Just wanted feed back on turning it off for 1 week and possible consequences.