Over or under sized skimmer?

[Flatlandreefer]

I am torn. I shut down my 25 gallon AIO tank when I moved homes a couple months ago. In my new house I have a 100 gallon stock tank set up as a sump and I transferred my two clowns and midas blenny along with all of my lps into the sump as well. I am going to keep my 25 gallon tank and place it on the main level of my house, this will be an sps dominant tank plumbed into the sump in the basement. The reason for setting up a big sump to begin with is with a longer term vision in mind, I am eventually wanting a large 180-200 gallon tank in the basement.

My dilemma is what size protein skimmer to get. Should I get one appropriately sized for the initial set up and then be forced to upgrade when I add volume to this system, additional larger tank. Or should I get a skimmer that can handle the 25 gallon tank + 100 gallon sump + and eventual 180 right off the bat even though it will be over kill for the first year or so? My lfs, very knowledgeable compared to a lot of lfs, suggested getting the bigger skimmer and running it on a timer so it isn't always on. I also listened to a recent BRS episode that suggested purchasing skimmers that are on the small size for a specific system because they will be easier to dial in. Any input is appreciated!

 

[LouieP]

I based my skimmer based on bioload.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Get one rated for the tank.
IMO , with the chronic low nutrient problems around, better skimmers, ease of adding Marine pure etc ,Refugiums etc , a middle ground on the skimmer is fine place to start.

 

[theMeat]

A lil too big on skimmer is ok, a lot too big and it won’t make skimmate

With a 25 gallon display, and a 100 gal sump, you don’t need a skimmer for now