Is it possible to protein skim too much?

[Kylepoma12]

I am just getting back into reefing, and I'm going to be setting up a 150 gal tank. But, in the next couple years I am going to upgrade to a tank around 300 gallons, so I want to purchase equipment that I can use on the 150, as well as on the larger tank I purchase down the line. I was thinking I would buy a protein skimmer appropriate for a 300 gallon tank, but I wanted to make sure it wouldn't be too powerful, or skim too well, for a 150 gallon tank. Any input is greatly appreciated!

 

[leahfiish]

It is possible but usually can be remedied. But technology advances so quickly, imo I would buy the skimmer best for your current system and then in a few years get a bigger and better one.

 

[CJBuckeyes]

You can't really overskim, the skimmer will just stop producing foam. You can get into trouble if your tank is too clean. You want to keep your nitrates and phosphates >0.

 

[AdamNC]

I've got a 29 gallon tank with a skimmer that's rated for a 75. I've seen no real issues other than the skimmate is not as dark as it should be. It seems to do best skimming wet rather than dry.

 

[Yuki Rihwa]

Same here I used skimmer rated for 150G on a 48G FOWLR, water quality is darn good.

 

[Rufus’ goofs]

I'm about to be sticking a reef octo 150 on a 40gallon.
I decided that if I saw any negatives I would only run it at night.

But I doubt I will.

 

[AdamNC]

I run mine 24/7.

 

[cracker]

I always get a skimmer rated double the recommendation . Never had an issue. I think the makers like to exaggerate the efficiency of their product.

 

[Zoafreak80]

I read about a multiple tank study where the were doing this exact experiment with skimmer usage and the tank with less skimmer usage faired the best. 4hrs per day only.

 

[Night Reefer]

I read about a multiple tank study where the were doing this exact experiment with skimmer usage and the tank with less skimmer usage faired the best. 4hrs per day only.

Interesting

 

[SPR1968]

When I was researching upgrading the skimmer in my Red Sea S 650, I was going to do a similar thing and buy a bigger skimmer than I needed.

I found out that if the skimmer is to big for the system, it won’t work to it’s full potential as the water won’t rise up the skimmer neck properly.

I think as said above you can’t really overskimm because if there is nothing in the system it won’t produce any skimmate.

I’ve got the NYOS Quantum 160 which is rated up 1000 litres (so 264 USG) so not much short of your final target. I can highly recommend the NYOS.

If you get something like this or whatever you choose, it may be good for your current and eventual system.

Edit. Just noticed date of initial post!