Stray Voltage

Any stray voltage in your tank that you can feel is to much IMO I would replace the pump. One things for sure is that it will get worse before it gets better if you leave it in there.

 

I don't know abought a lot but I have had 2 of those pumps do that. If the voltage is high enough it can kill fish. I had a tank years ago that I kept loosing fish for no apparent reason until I stuck my hand in my tank and got shocked. I would get that pump replaced asap. I would also get a ground probe in the tank as well. It just has a probe that you put in the tank and the other end plugs into a grounded outlet.

 

I don't have a answer to that other than to call jeremy at coralvue. Their the makers of reef octopus skimmers. 985-781-9078

 

Justin, maybe that is why you are having trouble keeping fish? Get it solved and you may see a much improved success rate.

As for the "best skimmer," you will get a lot of input there, but what size tank and sump are important pieces of information. I can say this though, Reef Octopus is one of the highest rated skimmer brands, but they have different lines, styles, sizes, and price-points.

 

Reducing the incoming proteins (feeding) means less that the skimmer would be skimming, so reducing the feeding will help if going without a skimmer for a week.

 

You should be fine, I would do a few things to help like putting a air-stone in your sump to help with gas exchange and prevent Ph drop, reducing feeding like nick said and maybe do a couple small water changes to reduce the organics a bit that the skimmer would have been removing.

Gatta say that the super reef octopus skimmers are my favorite by far.