Protein skimmer vs hair algae growth

[ml708]

I understand that the skimmer is used to remove doc and general proteins from the water. My question is this though, are these docs required for hair algae growth? All I know is that they require phosphate. Is it possible to run a skimmer and grow hair algae at the same time? I need it as a substrate for my filefish to breed!

[ml708]

I forgot to add, does a skimmer drastically reduce CO2 levels? Because from what I understand hair algae require CO2 to survive.

[Anchorman]

My understanding was that the skimmer only able to skim about 30% of the nutrients. Strong light and high nutrient in the water will get you plenty of algae but may not be hair algae.